Meth-Induced Psychosis: What It Is and How to Seek Help

Meth, which produces a euphoric high that can last for hours, is inexpensive to produce and is thus widely available. It is recognized as being one of the most addictive substances on the planet, capable of hooking people into addiction after only one use—and the more times that a person consumes meth, the more likely it is that they’ll develop an addiction. 

Meth addiction can produce a wide range of debilitating side-effects, including meth-induced psychosis. This article addresses meth-induced psychosis, including what it is, its symptoms, and the treatment solutions available.

Are you or a loved one dealing with meth addiction or meth-induced psychosis? Get in touch with the team at Jackson House today for expert treatment solutions. 

Results of Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can cause physical, emotional, and mental changes in the addicted person. In many cases, the negative spiral can happen fairly quickly. Since meth tolerance can develop quickly, users have to increase their intake to get the same results as they used to get from lower doses. In the process, addiction—and its side effects—progress quickly.

Meth consumption can have both short- and long-term consequences. Some of the common signs of meth addiction include:

• Mood swings and irritability
• Weight loss
• Tooth and gum damage
• Scabs and sores
• Insomnia
• Poor hygiene
• Confusion 
• Social withdrawal

Meth-Induced Psychosis

Meth-induced psychosis is one of the most serious side effects of meth addiction. This side effect causes users to demonstrate psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. 

Most meth users who develop psychosis do so after prolonged, chronic meth use, though it’s also possible for occasional users to develop meth-induced psychosis too, especially after a high dose. Symptoms of meth-induced psychosis can mirror those of acute paranoid schizophrenia, and can be deeply disturbing to the user, as well as to their loved ones.

Aggressive behavior

A person in the midst of meth-induced psychosis may act in an aggressive and violent manner, both to themselves and other people. For example, they may suddenly showcase an outburst of aggression toward someone they love or who they are normally friendly toward. They may also show anger toward inanimate objects.

Delusions

Meth-induced psychosis can cause various types of delusions, including paranoid delusions in which those experiencing psychosis believe that people are conspiring against them. Meth-induced psychosis can also provoke much larger delusions, such as believing that global events apply specifically to them (for example, believing that a politician on television is speaking directly to them).

Affected speech

People experiencing meth-induced psychosis often speak using agitated, fast speech that jumps from one topic to the next, without any apparent connection between the topics. They may also hold conversations with people who are not there.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations caused by meth can take multiple forms, including visual, auditory, and tactile.

• Visual hallucinations: Seeing things that aren’t there.
• Auditory hallucinations: Hearing voices and conversations that aren’t happening.
• Tactile hallucinations: Feeling things that aren’t there (such as bugs crawling on their skin).

Obsessive behavior

Obsessive behavior refers to any compulsive thoughts and behaviors characterized as excessive—for example, repeatedly looking out the window to check that no one is there.

Paranoia

Meth paranoia can be presented when the user believes that people, law enforcement, or the government is out to get them, despite there being no evidence that this is the case.

Meth-Induced Psychosis Treatment

Though meth-induced psychosis may lead to scary experiences, there are treatment options available. Jackson House offers the following treatments for meth-induced psychosis:

Detoxification

Safe meth detoxification helps to stabilize the user, as well as break the dependence on the drug and boost mental clarity. Medical professionals observe the resident’s mental and physical well-being during this period. 

Medication

In some cases, antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine and quetiapine may be given to the user. 

Psychiatric care

The person experiencing meth-induced psychosis will be given psychiatric care and support. This can include specialist psychiatric treatment from a trained professional.

Therapy

The client will be provided therapy and counseling to help free the user from the grips of meth addiction. 

Seek Help for Meth-Induced Psychosis

If you or a loved one is experiencing meth-induced psychosis, reach out for professional help from the team at Jackson House Recovery Centers. We offer residential treatment for meth-induced psychosis and other meth-related conditions. 

Admission to Jackson House Recovery Centers

At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we want to provide an easy transition into residential treatment for people with meth-induced psychosis. 

Our streamlined admissions process involves four steps:

• Step One: Get in touch by calling (866) 396-3655.
• Step Two: Our expert team performs an initial assessment to understand the client and their situation.
• Step Three: If residence at Jackson House is determined, a date for treatment to begin is set. Immediate help is also available.
• Step Four: The client arrives at the facility, and treatment gets underway. 

It’s recommended that those entering a residential treatment plan bring:

• Comfortable clothing
• Toiletries
• ID
• Cigarettes (for those who smoke)
• Cell phone

More information about what to bring can be found on the Admissions page.

Contact Jackson House for Meth-Induced Psychosis Treatment

While it can be scary to experience or to witness a loved one experience meth-induced psychosis, remember that effective, caring residential treatment is available. Here at Jackson House, we offer experienced, expert treatment for meth-induced psychosis and other conditions. 

To learn more or to begin the admissions process, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling (866) 396-3655 or by filling out the form on our contact page.

15 May 2025