Psychotic States

Reasons

Continuous and/or high-dose consumption of stimulants (e.g. Speed, Crystal, Cocaine) body and mind are not able to regenerate appropriately. The lack of sleep is promoting the occurence of acute psychotic states.

Symptoms

visual and/or acustic hallucinations, paranoia/persecuratory delusion

What to do

Try to stay calm and explain to the person that their situation is a natural reaction of their brain and that those symptoms sooner or later happen to anyone who is suffering under sleep-deprivation (with or without drugs). Put emphasis on the fact, that the state is temporarly and will disappear, as soon as thei catch up on some sleep and that the person doesn't have to be afraid to stay like this forever.

Try to find out what else might help the affected person to get to rest, e.g. changing the place, hot drinks (no coffee or energizers), calming breathing techniques or close friends.

If the state lasts very long and gets unbearable for the person, you can offer to call the ambulance.

The person should not take any more substances to get down, since they could worsen their state. Only emergency doctors can administer the right tranquilizers, that can offer some relieve for a limited period of time.