Schizophrenics and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common concern of the
family and friends of people with
schizophrenia. Since some people who abuse drugs may show
symptoms similar to those
of schizophrenia, people with schizophrenia may be mistaken for people
"high on drugs.” While most researchers do not believe that substance
abuse causes schizophrenia, people who have schizophrenia often abuse alcohol
and/or drugs, and may have particularly bad reactions to certain drugs.
Substance abuse can reduce the effectiveness of
treatment for schizophrenia.
Stimulants (such as amphetamines or cocaine) may cause major problems for
patients with schizophrenia, as may PCP or marijuana. In fact, some people
experience a worsening of their schizophrenic symptoms when they are taking
such drugs. Substance abuse also reduces the likelihood that patients will
follow the treatment plans recommended by their doctors.
Schizophrenia and Nicotine
The most common form of substance use disorder in people with schizophrenia
is nicotine dependence due to smoking. While the prevalence of smoking in the
U.S. population is about 25 to 30 percent, the prevalence among people with
schizophrenia is approximately three times as high. Research has shown that the
relationship between smoking and schizophrenia is complex. Although people with
schizophrenia may smoke to self medicate their symptoms, smoking has been found
to interfere with the response to antipsychotic drugs. Several studies have found that
schizophrenia patients who smoke need higher doses of antipsychotic medication.
Quitting smoking may be especially difficult for people with schizophrenia,
because the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may cause a temporary worsening of
schizophrenia symptoms. However, smoking
cessation strategies that include nicotine replacement methods may be
effective. Doctors should carefully monitor medication dosage and response when
patients with schizophrenia either start or stop smoking.
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in children | psychosis
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