Drugs and psychoses could be united

• May 4, 2024

2 out of 3 people addicted to drugs they suffer some psychiatric disorder . In addition to causing psychological and physical dependence, neuropathies, infectious diseases, cirrhosis, respiratory or heart conditions; the consumption of narcotics favors the appearance of psychiatric disorders, highlighting psychoses as paranoia Y schizophrenia .

However, despite this, the social perception about the risk of developing a psychiatric illness related to drug use is still very low. In the opinion of the experts, it is a behavior that opens the field to indiscriminate consumption and puts us on the path of dependence. According to the doctor Javier García Campayo , from the Psychiatry Service of Miguel Servet University Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Zaragoza (Spain), "there is not enough awareness of the capacity of drug use to produce psychiatric and physical illnesses. In the case of alcohol, its consumption occurs in social situations and is completely accepted. However the Toxic consumption favors the appearance of psychosis ”.

Situation in Mexico: drug use and psychiatric disorders

Data from the "Fray Bernardino Álvarez" Psychiatric Hospital, dependent on the Health Secretary , point out that of the 15 thousand annual consultations attended, 3.8% of the cases correspond to psychosis induced by substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs such as hallucinogens, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine and inhalable products, such as thinner or glue. Psychosis is characterized by the presence of hallucinations visual, olfactory, as well as delusional ideas after consuming a drug, usually after 48 hours. 66% of the patients of the "Fray Bernardino Álvarez", are consumers of different addictive substances combined, which seriously complicates the treatment and makes them more prone to relapse.

Symptoms of psychosis

According to the experts, the psychosis has different durations , characteristics and treatments. They are usually chronic disorders and can present with severe symptoms; the best known are schizophrenia and paranoia. A psychosis is identified by : • Sudden and profound changes in behavior • Introspection and isolation • Feeling observed and threatened by people • Speaking alone believing to have a partner, hearing voices, hallucinations without stimuli in between • Periods of mental confusion or loss of memory • Ideas of greatness • Feelings of guilt and failure • Depression.

Video Medicine: The Untold Story of Psychotropic Drugging - Making a Killing - Full Documentary (May 2024).