Feeling like you are living in a dream may sound like a good thing, but for those living with a depersonalization-derealization disorder, it is a frightening reality. Many who abuse substances can vouch for having experienced depersonalization or derealization before. However, when these feelings happen increasingly often, it can indicate a more severe problem. Identifying the difference between depersonalization and derealization from other substance use-induced symptoms helps to understand if depersonalization-derealization disorder may be affecting you.
Understanding Depersonalization-Derealization
Depersonalization happens when you feel detached from yourself and like you can view yourself from an external perspective or when you don’t recognize yourself when looking in the mirror. Derealization occurs when you feel as if you’re in a dream-like state with surroundings and people looking different and is often accompanied by feeling emotionally disconnected from others. Depersonalization relates to an altered perception of oneself, while derealization refers to an altered perception of one’s environment.
What To Know About Depersonalization-Derealization and Substance Abuse
Substance use and abuse can cause symptoms of depersonalization and derealization and can set off a full-blown depersonalization-derealization disorder. More than any drug, marijuana has been found to create most substance use-induced depersonalization disorder cases. Most often, depersonalization and derealization symptoms arise while the drug is in the body and pass once the drug leaves the body. Still, some people experience symptoms that linger for days, weeks, or even months. Alternatively, many people recovering from marijuana or alcohol addiction may not experience depersonalization and derealization symptoms until recovery. During a person’s addiction, the brain has intensely shifted how it perceives the world. While in recovery, the brain must adjust to functioning without the drug.
Feeling connected and like yourself is possible again once you get the proper treatment for a depersonalization-derealization disorder and any co-occurring disorders. Treating one without the other will not allow for a full recovery, and substance abuse can prevent the resolution of depersonalization and derealization symptoms.
For many past or present substance users, depersonalization and derealization have happened to them when using. As troubling as these symptoms are, for those who have depersonalization-derealization disorder, they become much more distressing when the symptoms never leave. Seeking the proper treatment for a depersonalization-derealization disorder and any co-occurring disorders is necessary for symptomatic relief. At Avalon Malibu, our integrated, professional care is the ideal treatment style for addressing depersonalization-derealization disorder and other mental health disorders. We at Avalon deliver a standard of care that offers our clients the well-rounded support they need through our comprehensive treatment of evidence-based mental health therapies and concurring effective addiction treatments. Call us to start working towards a life of connection and vitality at (844) 857-5992.
