Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse
Some people who abuse drugs show symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, and people with schizophrenia may be mistaken
for people who are high on drugs. While most researchers do not believe that substance abuse causes schizophrenia, people
who have schizophrenia abuse alcohol and/or drugs more often than the general population.
Substance abuse can reduce the effectiveness of treatment for schizophrenia. Stimulants (such as amphetamines or cocaine),
PCP, and marijuana may make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse. Substance abuse also makes it more likely that patients will
not follow their treatment plan.
The most common form of substance abuse in people with schizophrenia is an addiction to nicotine. People with schizophrenia
are addicted to nicotine at three times the rate of the general population. In addition to its known health hazards, several
studies have found that smoking interferes with the action of antipsychotic drugs. People with schizophrenia who smoke may
need higher doses of their medication.
Quitting smoking may be especially difficult for people with schizophrenia since nicotine withdrawal may cause their psychotic
symptoms to temporarily get worse. Smoking cessation strategies that include nicotine replacement methods may be better tolerated.
An Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Unit is available for those suffering from substance abuse and mood, anxiety or psychotic disorders
including schizophrenia.
