Health experts say substance abuse is becoming one of the leading causes of psychosis among young people
By Mapaballo Borotho

Substance abuse is no longer just a physical health concern; it’s increasingly affecting the mental well-being of young South Africans.
The Gauteng Department of Health has revealed that substance abuse continues to be the leading cause of psychosis among young people, with healthcare professionals reporting a growing number of patients diagnosed with substance-induced psychotic disorders.
According to Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona, many patients presenting with psychosis are also struggling with substance abuse.
“These observations highlight the growing relationship between substance abuse and mental illness and underscore the importance of early intervention, treatment and community awareness,” said Mabona.
What is substance-induced psychosis?
Substance-induced psychosis is a mental health condition that occurs when alcohol or drugs directly affect the brain, causing a person to lose touch with reality.
During an episode, a person may:
- Hear voices that aren’t there.
- See things that others cannot.
- Develop false beliefs that are disconnected from reality.
- Experience confused or disorganised thinking.
- Display unusual or unpredictable behaviour.
While some people recover once they stop using substances and receive the appropriate treatment, others may continue to experience symptoms long after the drugs or alcohol have left their system.
In some cases, substance-induced psychosis can develop into long-term psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
Early warning signs to look out for
Mental health professionals encourage families and friends to seek help as early as possible if they notice any of the following warning signs:
- Hearing voices or seeing things that others cannot.
- Holding false beliefs that are disconnected from reality.
- Confused or disorganised thinking.
- Withdrawing from family, friends or daily activities.
- Neglecting personal hygiene and self-care.
- Sudden changes in behaviour, sleeping patterns or everyday functioning.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference, helping individuals recover sooner and reducing the risk of long-term mental health complications
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