Drug-Induced Delirium

While you may be familiar with other drug-related conditions like cocaine-induced rhabdomyolysis, have you ever heard of drug-induced delirium? There are various forms of delirium and delirium causes, but the one our drug rehab in Pennsylvania wants to focus on is drug-induced delirium. 

What Is Delirium?

Delirium is a disturbance in certain mental functions. It can cause confused thinking and reduced awareness of a person’s environment and surroundings. It can occur quickly and last for several days. Delirium can be caused by several different things, including chronic illness, low sodium, certain medications, infections, and drug abuse. Delirium caused by drug intoxication is also known as drug-induced delirium, which is a very serious and uncomfortable condition. 

There are three different types of delirium: 

• Hypoactive Delirium: includes inactivity or reduced motor movement; associated with extreme drowsiness, fatigue, or seeming to be out of touch with the present
• Hyperactive Delirium: includes restlessness, increased agitation and activity, frequent mood swings, and hallucinations
• Mixed Delirium: includes both hypoactive and hyperactive delirium side effects

An individual with a drug or alcohol addiction is more likely to experience delirium in addition to numerous other health problems. You or a loved one can avoid drug-induced delirium by getting help at one of the best rehabs in PA. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, we offer various addiction treatment programs that cover a wide range of substance abuse disorders. Begin your recovery journey with us today. 

Is Delirium Dangerous?

Delirium can be dangerous because it makes a person feel confused and completely out of their element. A person suffering from drug-induced delirium may suffer from symptoms that are similar to those of dementia. These side effects can begin over the course of a few hours or days and may fluctuate in severity. Delirium symptoms tend to worsen at night time because of the darkness and unfamiliarity of certain surroundings. Delirium caused by drug abuse may also worsen if the individual’s substance abuse habits persist. 

Some common side effects of delirium include: 

• Difficulties staying focused or concentrating 
• Getting stuck on an idea and being unable to switch onto something else 
• Being easily distracted
• Withdrawing from others
• Little to no response to the environment or others
• Poor memory
• Difficulties with speech
• Disorientation, not knowing where or who you are
• Rambling 
• Difficulty understanding others’ speech
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Hallucinations
• Slowed motor movements
• Difficulties sleeping
• Frequently making sounds or moaning
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anxiety 
• Fear or paranoia
• Euphoria
• Mood swings

Drug-induced delirium is dangerous because it can leave a person vulnerable and unable to defend themselves from harm. It can also cause agitation, increased energy levels, paranoia, and fear. These symptoms could cause a person to act out violently or aggressively towards others, which could result in serious injury. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we offer inpatient drug treatment in Pennsylvania that separates addicts from temptations and addiction triggers, allowing them to focus on their recovery in a calm and safe environment. 

What Drugs Cause Delirium?

Several drugs cause delirium, including:

• Fentanyl
• Morphine 
• Meperidine
• Oxycodone
• Codeine
• Lorazepam 
• Midazolam
• Diphenhydramine
• Nifedipine 
• Steroids
• Tricyclic antidepressants 

An individual who abuses any of these drugs or mixes them with alcohol is at high risk of experiencing delirium. Drug-induced delirium is a danger to the individual and to others. It’s an uncomfortable and extreme side effect of substance abuse that’s more common than you may think. 

If you or a loved one is battling with addiction, call Clearbrook Pennsylvania today at 570-536-9621 for more information about our levels of care.