The connection between drug abuse and schizophrenia is complex. Certain drugs may increase the risk of triggering schizophrenia symptoms or worsening existing symptoms linked with the disorder. The American Addiction Centers notes that while substance abuse does not cause schizophrenia, chronic use of alcohol or drugs may increase the frequency of psychotic episodes. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the relationship between drug abuse and schizophrenia.
What Is Schizophrenia?
The American Psychiatric Association defines schizophrenia as a chronic brain disorder that, when active, may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble thinking, and lack of motivation. Contrary to belief, schizophrenia does not mean a split personality or multiple personalities in a person.
Schizophrenia Symptoms
Schizophrenia includes a range of issues concerning thinking, behavior, and emotions. Typically, signs and symptoms vary but include the following:
- Delusions: Beliefs that are not true.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that don’t exist.
- Disorganized Thinking (Speech): Impaired effective communication.
- Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior: Unusual behavior that can make completing tasks difficult.
- Impaired Daily Function: Reduced ability to function normally, such as neglecting personal hygiene or lack of emotions.
Symptoms may vary in presentation and severity over time. There may be periods of worsening or remission of symptoms or some symptoms may always be present.
Schizophrenia Treatment
While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is finding more groundbreaking and safer treatments for those affected. Researchers are studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and utilizing imaging to examine the brain’s structure and function to determine the causes of the disease. These approaches have the potential to provide more successful remedies in the future.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. They can prescribe medication to reduce symptoms and help find treatment options, such as therapy, recovery services, and mental health support.
Schizophrenia Causes
Many researchers agree that schizophrenia may come from a combination of the following sources:
- Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate have been linked to schizophrenia.
- Brain Structure: Imaging studies show differences in the frontal lobe of people with schizophrenia.
- Genetics: People with relatives who have schizophrenia tend to have a higher risk of developing it.
- Environmental Factors: Risks may include complications in pregnancy, exposure to drugs or toxins, and traumatic life events.
The Link Between Substance Abuse & Schizophrenia
The abuse of legal and illegal substances is a frequent issue among people with schizophrenia. Researchers have discovered that over half of all people with schizophrenia have abused at least one substance before the onset of their mental illness.
Commonly abused drugs may include:
- Alcohol: Alcohol abuse often occurs before schizophrenia symptoms appear.
- Nicotine: People who smoke are more likely to experience hallucinations and require higher medication dosages.
- Cocaine: Cocaine use increases the risk of suicide, low treatment compliance, and hospitalization.
- Marijuana: Cannabis use may worsen or accelerate the development of psychotic symptoms.
Drug use can intensify schizophrenia symptoms and increase the frequency of psychotic episodes, leading to outcomes such as hospitalization, legal trouble, and suicide risk.
Drug Abuse & Schizophrenia Symptom Masking
Substance abuse may mask the symptoms of schizophrenia or vice versa, making it difficult to identify an individual’s mental condition in the presence of substance use disorders.
Symptoms shared by both schizophrenia and substance abuse can include:
- Unpredictable mood and behaviors
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Delusional beliefs
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized thoughts
- Rapid speech
- Inappropriate or odd emotions
- Lack of concentration
- Poor judgment
Seeking Help for Drug Abuse & Schizophrenia
Drug abuse and schizophrenia have a complicated relationship. While drug abuse does not directly cause schizophrenia, it may trigger an increase in schizophrenic symptoms among those already struggling with the mental illness. This can be especially damaging because many people with schizophrenia have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, leading to further complications.
As such, it is imperative that if you or a loved one is experiencing schizophrenic symptoms and/or drug abuse, you seek help.
At The Carter Treatment Center, our team is committed to helping our patients with co-occurring disorders. We understand the underlying psychological factors that may contribute to a person’s use of drugs or alcohol, and we strive to build customized treatment plans for our clients.
Long-term recovery is important to us. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more about our services.