Does Substance Abuse Affect Schizophrenia?

The relationship between schizophrenia and substance abuse is complex. While some people with schizophrenia also have a problem with substance use disorder, others do not use drugs or alcohol at all. And of course, many people with substance use disorders don't have schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses. However, if you have a mental health problem like schizophrenia, you might be at a higher risk of drug abuse. Understand how a Washington schizophrenia program center will help you overcome substance use disorder while managing the signs of schizophrenia.

At Accxy, we understand how challenging schizophrenia could be and how substance use disorder can significantly impact this problem. Our schizophrenia treatment plan can help with your symptoms whilst addressing co-occurring disorders like substance use disorder. Get in touch with us at to find out how we can simultaneously assist you to or a family member overcome these challenges.

The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Schizophrenia

The CDC estimates that nearly 1% from the U.S. population has schizophrenia, and approximately 10% of adults are identified as having substance use disorder. Many studies have found that schizophrenia and drug abuse go hand in hand. People with this mental illness may create a substance use disorder. Some reasons for this may be that people with schizophrenia often:

• Turn to alcohol or drugs to alleviate the the signs of their condition
• Use substances to quiet the voices within their heads
• Self-medicate to reduce stress levels caused by their illness

The the signs of schizophrenia, for example hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, could be overwhelming making everyday routine incredibly challenging. Antipsychotic medications and therapy might help alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately, lots of people choose alcohol or drugs to handle symptoms by themselves. They may not have access to received an analysis for his or her mental illness, or they may not trust the recommendations of healthcare providers. Part of schizophrenia is a lack of trust in others and fear that individuals are watching you or out to enable you to get, making treating schizophrenia even more challenging.

How Drug abuse Affects Schizophrenia

As with any mental health condition, drug abuse can make things worse. Even though the person may temporarily feel good when using alcohol or drugs, their symptoms will often come back having a vengeance once the effects wear off. Additionally, the long-term results of drug abuse will also exacerbate schizophrenia. Here are some examples of methods drug abuse affects schizophrenia:

• Makes symptoms, like paranoia and hallucinations, more serious.
• Increases the frequency of psychotic episodes.
• Elevates the risk of violence or self-harm brought on by more serious schizophrenia symptoms.
• Can lead to higher hospitalization and incarceration rates.

When someone includes a severe mental illness like schizophrenia, adding drug abuse to the mix can intensify their already challenging symptoms. Delusions and hallucinations be frequent and severe. As a result, the individual starts to behave dangerously privately yet others. This is why people with addiction and schizophrenia are more likely to maintain and from behavioral health facilities or jail. To assist yourself or a loved one with schizophrenia avoid these challenges, touch base for help from your local schizophrenia treatment facility.

Heal from Addiction and Schizophrenia at Accxy

There is really a clear association between schizophrenia and drug abuse. However, it is still unclear whether one directly causes another. Accxy can help you address the signs and symptoms of both of these conditions so you can get back to living a far more satisfying lifestyle. Get in touch with us at to learn more about how we will help you manage your symptoms and overcome substance use disorder with the aid of therapy and medication.