How Cocaine Use Can Lead To Psychosis

Recent statistics indicate that 2.7% of adults in the UK have used cocaine, ranking the country as having the second-highest rate of cocaine use in the world. Given these figures, it is reasonable to anticipate an increase in cocaine addiction rates, if they are not already on the rise. 

 

Cocaine addiction has the potential to trigger severe health issues, such as heart attacks, respiratory problems and even mental health issues such as psychosis and psychotic episodes.

What is cocaine-induced psychosis?

Cocaine-induced psychosis is a condition where the use of cocaine leads to symptoms that are similar to those of a psychotic episode. This can happen because cocaine significantly alters brain chemistry. 

 

During a cocaine-induced psychosis, a person may hear or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations), they may feel intense paranoia and have beliefs that aren’t based in reality (delusions). It’s a stark reminder of how powerful and potentially dangerous cocaine can be to mental health.

How can cocaine cause psychosis? 

The precise way cocaine triggers psychosis isn’t completely clear, but it’s thought to be linked to how the drug affects the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays key roles in managing our mood, the feeling of reward and how we perceive reality. 

 

Cocaine interferes with the normal process of dopamine reabsorption, causing dopamine to build up in the gaps between nerve cells. This overload of dopamine can interfere with the brain’s normal operations, resulting in psychotic symptoms.

Case study- Richard Pryor’s cocaine-induced psychosis

To paint a clearer picture of the stark realities of cocaine-induced psychosis, it’s important to reflect on the life of the late comedian Richard Pryor. Pryor, known for his raw and insightful humour, faced a tumultuous battle with cocaine addiction. 

 

It was known to many that Pryor progressed from powdered cocaine to freebase cocaine, which he smoked instead of snorting or injecting. Freebase cocaine is cocaine in its purest form and carries the potential for a deadly addiction.

In 1980, Pryor experienced a severe incident during a binge of freebase cocaine and alcohol. He infamously set himself on fire after expressing to his wife, Jennifer Pryor; 

 

“I’ve decided what to do. I have to do this; otherwise, I don’t know how I’m going to get out. There’s no way out of this so you need to leave so you don’t get hurt too.”

 

Jennifer recalled the harrowing moments that followed, hearing screams as Richard ran ablaze through their house. He eventually dashed into the street, desperately crying out; 

 

“Lord, give me another chance … Haven’t I brought happiness to anyone in this world?”. 

 

This tragic event left him with burns on 50% of his body, narrowly escaping death.

 

This was not an isolated event in Pryor’s life. Reflecting on another harrowing episode, his wife mentioned;

 

“He was in a drug psychosis. Whatever was going on in the drug-addled brain, he thought it was a good idea to kill me… I calmed him down and I got out of there.” 

 

These incidents highlight the extreme dangers Pryor faced with his addiction.

What caused Richard Pryor to behave like this?

Richard Pryor’s struggles can be seen through the lens of cocaine-induced psychosis. This condition can profoundly warp the mind, leading to behaviours and beliefs that, to an outsider, might seem incomprehensible. 

 

Here’s a breakdown of how this could have played out for Pryor:

Seeing and hearing things (hallucinations)

Experiencing hallucinations, like hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there, can be a symptom of cocaine-induced psychosis. This can be terrifying and confusing, pushing you to act out in ways you normally wouldn’t. Pryor might have been tormented by hallucinations that felt incredibly real to him.

Paranoia

Now, add a deep, unshakeable feeling that you’re being watched, followed or even targeted. This intense paranoia can drive someone to extreme measures in an attempt to ‘escape’ or protect themselves, even if those threats aren’t real. For Pryor, his actions, including the tragic incident with fire, could have been an attempt to flee from these imagined dangers.

Confusion and disorganisation

When your thoughts are jumbled and nothing makes sense, making a clear, rational decision is nearly impossible. This state of confusion can lead to erratic behaviour, as seen in Pryor’s desperate plea for another chance amidst his crisis.

Anger and aggression

Cocaine can dial up emotions and impulsiveness to ten, leading to aggression or even violence. In a twisted way, Pryor’s thoughts of harming himself or others could have been influenced by this heightened state of agitation.

Taking dangerous risks

With judgement out the window, taking extreme risks can suddenly seem like a good idea. In the throes of cocaine-induced psychosis, Pryor’s decision to set himself on fire might have somehow appeared to him as the only solution to his problems.

 

Further information from Jennifer Pryor leads to more information and clues that point towards cocaine psychosis. She recalled how Richard lied to the media after the fire incident by stating that a rum bottle exploded, causing the initial fire:

“He lied… and people still say, ‘No, it was an accident.’ No, it was a suicide attempt. It was self-immolation. He apparently had seen some Buddhists on television doing this thing too.”

 

This information, coupled with Richard asking a higher power if he’s “brought enough happiness into the world” shortly after setting himself on fire could easily point to signs of confusion, delusions, paranoia, dangerous risks and anger. All of these signs are, of course, the hallmarks of cocaine-induced psychosis.

What to do if someone you know is experiencing cocaine-induced psychosis

When someone displays signs of cocaine-induced psychosis, they must seek immediate attention. This condition is not only distressing but can escalate to dangerous levels for both the user and the people around them. It’s important to contact relevant authorities and medical healthcare professionals if symptoms escalate.

Getting help for cocaine addiction

Inpatient cocaine rehab centres warmly welcome anyone on the path to recovery from cocaine addiction, offering a cocaine addiction treatment plan tailored with care and understanding. The first step, a medically supervised cocaine detox, ensures your safety and comfort, marking the beginning of a supported journey toward healing. The facility’s dedicated team is there to walk alongside you, offering personalised care that goes beyond breaking physical dependence.

 

With a blend of traditional therapy and holistic practices like art therapy and yoga, the cocaine addiction treatment programme is there to provide you with the coping strategies and emotional tools needed for a long-lasting cocaine recovery. Help with cocaine addiction is just a phone call or click away, inviting you into a supportive environment where you can rebuild your life, step by step.

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