Drug Dealing Paranoia

Abstract

Drug dealing paranoia is a recently observed clinical entity which has been successfully treated in 2 of 3 youthful cases. Onset of paranoid symptomatology was the direct result of selling drugs in a “drug scene.” The paranoid symptoms observed ranged from moderate to severe, and complete remission of symptoms in all cases reported occurred within 1 wk. after cessation of drug dealing and temporary physical removal from the drug environment. In areas where drug use is extensive this syndrome is likely to be exhibited by patients who seek attention and thrills by becoming “amateur” drug dealers. The psychotherapy consisted of firm counseling to give up the drug dealing and a temporary change of environment. Minor tranquilizers were prescribed in 2 of the 3 cases.