What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Induced Psychosis?

Alcohol-induced psychosis can be frightening for the drinker as well as those around them. Whether you’re someone who enjoys drinking alcohol or you’re curious about the impact of alcohol on mental health, knowing what this condition is and why it happens can help more people find the treatment they need.

What is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?

Alcohol-induced psychosis is a severe condition stemming from prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. It involves a break from reality, with individuals experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and impaired judgment. This condition can be particularly alarming as it poses risks to both mental and physical well-being.

The exact mechanisms of alcohol-induced psychosis are not fully understood, but it’s believed that alcohol disrupts the normal functioning of neurotransmitters, leading to distorted perceptions and thoughts. This disruption in brain function can result in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

3 Categories of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

Alcohol-related psychosis is categorized into three areas:

1. Alcohol Withdrawal Psychosis: Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. It can also bring about a temporary form of psychosis. Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD) is a psychosis that long-time heavy drinkers are at risk for when they quit drinking. Alcohol-induced psychosis can be a part of what is more commonly known as delirium tremens (DTs). People with DTs sometimes experience hallucinations or delusions. They may also feel like bugs are crawling on their skin.
2. Acute Alcohol Intoxication: While uncommon, acute alcohol psychosis can occur anytime you drink excessive amounts of alcohol. One night of binge drinking can trigger acute psychosis. Most people will become unconscious before any psychotic symptoms appear.
3. Chronic Alcoholic Hallucinosis: People who’ve been abusing alcohol for years are at risk for alcoholic hallucinosis. If you have alcoholic hallucinosis, you may experience auditory hallucinations: hearing sounds that aren’t there. Some people also experience erratic mood shifts, delusions, and visual and tactile hallucinations. This type of alcohol-induced psychosis may occur sporadically for hours or days. Over time, alcoholic hallucinosis can begin mimicking symptoms of schizophrenia and last indefinitely. In some cases, chronic alcoholic hallucinosis leads to brain damage. This may include Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and long-term psychotic disorders.

Does Everyone Who Drinks Experience Psychosis?

No, not everyone who drinks alcohol experiences psychosis. The likelihood of developing alcohol-induced psychosis depends on various factors, including the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, individual tolerance, and genetic predisposition.

Factors that raise the risk include:

• Heavy Drinking: Individuals who engage in heavy drinking or binge drinking are at a higher risk.
• Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: Those with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may be more susceptible.
• Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition can play a role in determining an individual’s vulnerability to alcohol-induced psychosis.

The Dangers of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

Alcohol-induced psychosis can be life-threatening, especially if left untreated. The severity of alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms can vary, but in extreme cases, individuals may engage in dangerous behaviors due to impaired judgment. Additionally, alcohol poisoning and the risk of accidents are heightened during episodes of psychosis.

People with alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms may exhibit a few or several of the following:

• Agitation
• Acting strangely or inappropriately
• Aggression or violence and lashing out for no reason
• Crying, laughing, or having other reactions inappropriate for the situation
• False beliefs
• Fear
• Hallucinating sounds, sights, or feelings
• Inability to hold a conversation
• Jumbled thoughts
• Losing touch with reality
• Paranoia, such as fear of persecution or thinking others are “out to get them”
• Scratching or having the feeling of bugs crawling on the body
• Talking to oneself or someone who’s not there

What Other Problems Can Long-Term Alcohol Abuse Cause?

Beyond alcohol-induced psychosis, long-term alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on both physical and mental well-being. Alcoholism can lead to:

• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences.
• Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.
• Depression and Anxiety: Alcohol abuse can exacerbate mental health conditions and contribute to the development of depression and anxiety disorders.
• Neurological Impairment: Cognitive deficits, memory loss, and an increased risk of dementia.
• Malnutrition: Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition and related health issues.
• Weakened Immune System: Reduced ability to fight off infections and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
• Increased Risk of Accidents: Impaired coordination and judgment increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Social Isolation: Alcohol abuse often leads to social withdrawal, strained relationships with family and friends, and occupational irregularities.