Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment

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Schizophrenia

THE GROWING PROBLEM: Schizophrenia, Drugs and Alcohol

A Hazardous Road To Travel

Excerpts reprinted with permission from the BC Schizophrenia Society, www.bcss.org

Mixing drugs or alcohol with an illness like schizophrenia is an alarming new trend. Traveling this risky road has devastating consequences.

Estimates tell us that up to 75 % of people with psychiatric illness practice substance abuse. Why? It’s partly the result of deinstitutionalization, social pressures, the availability of drugs; and a lack of information and resources.

We’re just beginning to understand the impact and consequences of this trend. Everyone concerned about schizophrenia needs to be aware of the harm that’s being done.

“What should I do? So what? Why should that concern me?“

Let’s Assume That You Have Schizophrenia or You’re in a High Risk Group [genetically at risk]. That Makes You Especially Vulnerable to the Effects of Drugs and Alcohol.

Your hypersensitive system can produce abnormal reactions to common activities like smoking, drinking too much caffeine, and using cold medications. Small amounts of illegal drugs and alcohol can induce or mimic psychosis, or worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia. That may be why people with schizophrenia are four times more likely to develop a substance (alcohol or drug) problem.

Like most people, you probably won’t recognize or acknowledge the first warning signs of addiction. With schizophrenia added to the equation, continued use of drugs and alcohol can have devastating effects. Your mental and physical condition will deteriorate, the illness symptoms will be more severe, and recovery will take longer.

Your behavior may change, even if you temporarily stop using drugs and alcohol. You can suffer depression, be irritable and unmotivated, and overreact to future drug experiences or stress. You’ll spend more time in hospitals or crisis programs, you’ll be more likely to attempt suicide (12-15% complete the act), you’ll need more medication, or your treatment won’t work because the drugs and alcohol interfere.

You could have problems with the law, which will disrupt your life, your job or schooling, or your therapy program - and the additional strain could isolate you from family and friends. The substance abuse could also interact with the disease, causing persistent and potentially irreversible changes to your already fragile system.

Some days can be tough for anyone… But coping with an illness like schizophrenia takes a lot of courage, energy, and support. Add drugs or alcohol into the mix, and you’ve got a terrible struggle going on every day.

No One Else Can Decide What’s Right For You.

But if you’re like most people, you want to take charge of your own life-and that means being responsible for being informed about the choices you make.

The problem is, if you find out about drugs and alcohol by using them, all you’ll find out is what thousands of people already know… That they impair your ability to think, and make it impossible to manage your life.

For the rest of this fact sheet and for more information and support visit: Drugs, Alcohol, and Schizophrenia
or download this fact sheet pdf here