Losing Touch With Reality

Often when people use drugs, they want to change their perception of reality. They want the world to seem like a simpler, happier place, for reality to be less scary or intimidating, or to make life more interesting and fun.

For people who find life particularly stressful, either because of their current circumstances, or because of life slapping them in the past, drugs can be a way to cope with that stress, or to experience life in a different way, perhaps feeling intense pleasure -- known as euphoria -- for the first time.

For people who find life especially empty or boring, some drugs can provide stimulation that finally makes life seem exciting, invigorating, worth getting up for.

This would be all very well if drugs actually fixed the nature of reality -- but they don't. Life continues to be harsh whether you are aware of it or not. And for some people, the drug-induced haze of false reality is a lot more attractive than stone cold sober reality, so they try and get there again and again.

But if you do this too much, eventually, sooner or later, it can become impossible to live in reality. The rebound effects of drugs, and the withdrawal that goes with discontinuing many drugs makes what was an uncomfortable or otherwise disagreeable life, quite unbearable for some people. This is one way people can become addicted -- and addiction is a kind of false reality where the addictive behavior is all that matters.

Another kind of false reality happens when the brain starts generating images, sounds, or sensations that aren't really there, and putting together thoughts that add up to situations that aren't real. This is called psychosis, and it can happen on its own, especially in people who have a genetic predisposition or certain mental illnesses, it can happen temporarily when you are on drugs such as LSD, or it can be induced by using various drugs, particularly meth and other amphetamines, cocaine or too much alcohol.

Psychosis is generally a difficult and unpleasant experience, but whatever the cause, it can be treated. So if you or someone you know seems to be losing touch with reality, see a doctor as soon as possible.