Many people are surprised to learn that certain drugs can change the way a person thinks, feels, or acts. Sometimes, these changes include developing strong feelings of fear or suspicion, even when there is no real reason to feel that way. This experience is called paranoia.
A vast majority of people who use certain stimulants (such as powdered cocaine), report experiencing paranoia at some point. Other drugs, including methamphetamine, cannabis, hallucinogens, and some prescription medications, can cause similar effects. But different substances affect the brain in different ways, and some are more likely to cause paranoia than others.
Drug-induced paranoia can happen suddenly or develop over time. It may last for a short period, or (in some cases) become a long-term problem. This is especially a risk if drug use continues or if someone already has other mental health conditions.
Understanding what causes these feelings can help people recognize when drug use is affecting their thinking and behavior. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we see firsthand how substance use can create these challenging mental health symptoms, and we’re committed to helping people understand and overcome them.
What is Paranoia Caused by Drugs?
Drug-induced paranoia is a state of intense suspicion or fear that happens after using certain substances. It often involves believing that others want to harm you or are plotting against you, even when there’s no evidence to support this idea.
Paranoia can occur due to a few different factors:
- Dopamine disruption: Substances may flood the brain with dopamine, causing overstimulation.
- Chemical imbalance: Neurotransmitters that control mood and perception may be thrown off.
- Brain interpretation: In an intoxicated state where a person may be experiencing adrenaline rush, normal events may seem threatening or suspicious.
People experiencing paranoia may feel extremely mistrustful, anxious, or convinced that they’re being watched or targeted. These feelings can be very strong and may not go away easily, even when someone tries to reassure the person that they are safe.
For most people, drug-induced paranoia is temporary and fades as the drug leaves the body. However, repeated use of certain drugs or having a history of certain mental health conditions can make paranoia last longer.
Drugs That Can Make a Person Paranoid
Some substances are much more likely to cause paranoid thoughts than others. Long-term use of these substances can actually change the physical structure of brain areas tied to emotions and threat detection. This can make the brain more likely to mistake normal situations as dangerous, feeding into paranoid thoughts.
Cocaine dramatically increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can create feelings of euphoria but also intense paranoia. A vast majority of people who have used cocaine report experiencing strong suspicion or fear. Some people experience hallucinations similar to feeling insects crawling on their skin (sometimes called “cocaine bugs”). Seeking professional cocaine addiction treatment is often necessary to address these harmful effects and support long-term recovery.
Methamphetamine (meth) affects brain chemistry similarly to cocaine but often leads to more severe and longer-lasting paranoia. This condition is sometimes called “meth psychosis.” It can include delusions, aggressive behavior, and complete social isolation.
The paranoia from methamphetamine and other stimulants can persist for days or even weeks after someone stops using it. Even prescription stimulants like Adderall can cause paranoid thoughts in some people, especially when misused or taken in high doses.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana bud and products. It has the potential to trigger paranoia, particularly in people who are new to cannabis or use products with high THC concentrations (usually 20% or higher). Edible marijuana products are typically more likely to cause paranoid feelings because they have the potential to deliver higher doses that last longer than other methods. For those struggling with long-term cannabis use, professional support such as marijuana rehab in Idaho can provide the guidance needed for recovery.
Hallucinogens like LSD and PCP can cause paranoia, often in the form of persecutory delusions or extreme confusion. PCP is particularly known for causing violent paranoid episodes that can put both the user and others in danger.
These drugs affect NMDA receptors in the brain, disrupting normal perception and leading to mistrust of others. The paranoid effects usually cam=n last for several hours but may occasionally persist for days after a “bad trip.”
Alcohol affects two key neurotransmitters: GABA and glutamate. During alcohol withdrawal, the balance between these chemicals becomes disrupted. This can potentially lead to paranoia and similarly harmful effects on mood.
Long-term use of these substances can actually change the physical structure of the brain areas involved in emotions and threat detection. This makes your brain more likely to mistake normal situations as dangerous, feeding into paranoid thoughts.
How to Recognize Drug-Induced Paranoia
Spotting drug-induced paranoia early can help prevent more serious problems. These can, of course, be dependent on the situation and the person’s rate of drug use.
Mental and emotional changes may include:
- Sudden mistrust: Becoming suspicious of friends, family, or strangers without reason.
- Persecution beliefs: Thinking others are watching, following, or plotting against you.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding people and activities that were once enjoyable.
- Defensive behavior: Becoming aggressive when questioned or approached.
Physical symptoms that often accompany paranoia include:
- Rapid heartbeat and sweating
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Restlessness and inability to relax
- Dilated pupils (or other obvious signs of drug use)
These signs indicate that it’s time to seek immediate help:
- Extreme agitation or threats of violence
- Talk about harming themselves or others
- Complete break from reality or severe confusion
- Hallucinations combined with paranoid thoughts
Drug-induced paranoia typically appears soon after substance use or during withdrawal, which helps distinguish it from other mental health conditions. Medically-assisted detox can provide essential medical support during withdrawals that can help prevent long-term adverse health effects.
How to Prevent Drug-Induced Paranoia
The most effective way to prevent drug-induced paranoia is to avoid substances known to cause these symptoms. But this effect is not always predictable, and may happen as a result of using medication or substances presumed to be safe. Within this context, it’s important to recognize personal risk factors for drug-induced paranoia, which may include:
- Family history of mental illness or psychosis
- Previous episodes of drug-induced paranoia
- High-stress environments or major life changes
- Mixing addictive substances, which may result in unpredictable effects
Preventing drug-induced paranoia is not always possible. But it helps to build a strong support network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals who can help you recognize warning signs and get help when needed. Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or regular exercise to reduce overall anxiety levels that can make paranoia worse.
If you notice signs of paranoia, reach out for professional help immediately. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and make recovery easier.
Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery Provides Treatment for Drug Addiction
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we use a comprehensive approach to treat substance abuse. Recovery involves several key steps:
The first step is safely removing the substance from the person’s body. This process includes 24/7 medical monitoring to prevent complications and ensure safety.
Medications that may be used in this effort include:
- Antipsychotics: To reduce severe paranoid thoughts
- Sedatives: To help with agitation and anxiety
- Sleep aids: To restore normal sleep patterns
Detox typically lasts several days to a week, depending on the substance and severity of use. But this is also highly dependent on the person’s personal health. Factors like age, history of substance abuse, and hydration can also have a major impact on the difficulty of the detox experience
Once the acute symptoms are managed, therapy helps address the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to both substance use and paranoia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for changing paranoid thinking patterns and developing healthy coping skills.
Recovery from drug-induced paranoia doesn’t end with detox. Ongoing support may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention planning. Regular monitoring helps catch any return of paranoia symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug-induced paranoia, Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery offers specialized treatment that addresses both substance use and its effects on mental health. Our experienced team understands how frightening these symptoms can be and provides compassionate, evidence-based care.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and start your journey toward recovery.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
