Is There an Association Between Addiction and Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe and complex mental health condition that impacts many people worldwide. Unfortunately, it's often misunderstood, which leads to stigma, discrimination, and a lack of empathy for those living with it. July 25th is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day and provides a crucial opportunity to shine a light on the condition. That includes educating the public and promoting understanding. The day also serves as a reminder that schizophrenia isn't just an individual challenge, but rather one that impacts families, friends, and communities. 

Although a majority of the focus on schizophrenia revolves around symptoms, there is another necessary aspect to the discussion – the connection between schizophrenia and addiction. People living with the condition are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD), which can complicate its treatment and management. That complication often leads to a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. Our hope at West Coast Recovery Centers is that by exploring the complex relationship between addiction and schizophrenia, we can raise awareness and reduce the stigma.

The Overlapping Risks Between Schizophrenia and Addiction

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), common symptoms include “hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder (unusual ways of thinking)…” It may also cause people to experience “reduced expression of emotions, reduced motivation to accomplish goals, difficulty in social relationships, motor impairment, and cognitive impairment.” 

As with any condition, symptoms vary from one person to the next. Similarly, not everyone with schizophrenia has troubles with substance use, but it can make people more susceptible. Research indicates that 47% of individuals with schizophrenia have trouble with drug or alcohol use, making it something to be mindful of. Of course, many factors can contribute to this increased vulnerability to addiction in those with schizophrenia. 

Self-Medication

One of the most significant reasons individuals with schizophrenia may turn to substance use is self-medication. Schizophrenia symptoms can be extremely overwhelming, and many use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope or alleviate their distress. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to dependence and often exacerbates psychosis over time. 

Social Isolation and Stigma

Another significant factor that contributes to the prevalence of substance use among individuals with schizophrenia is social isolation and stigma. These individuals are often isolated because of the stigma attached to their mental health condition. That isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and despair, increasing the likelihood of using substances to escape or numb the emotional pain. Additionally, the lack of support further complicates the mental condition and addiction struggles. 

Impaired Judgement and Cognitive Functioning

Next, we must address judgment and cognition. Schizophrenia often involves cognitive impairments, including trouble with memory, attention, and executive functioning. Cognitive deficits such as these can impair decision-making abilities, including decisions surrounding substance use. Further, the impaired judgment may also lead to less consideration of the long-term consequences of substance use. 

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Lastly, people with schizophrenia may also experience other co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. These can increase the likelihood of substance abuse. Additionally, these conditions can make the person more vulnerable to using substances as a form of relief or escape from the overwhelming symptoms. 

The Dangers of Leaving Addiction and Schizophrenia Untreated

When schizophrenia and addiction are left untreated, they can worsen over time. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to more severe symptoms and a higher risk of adverse outcomes. The co-occurrence of schizophrenia and SUD presents many challenges to treatment, such as: 

• Increased risk of psychotic episodes triggered by substance use 
• Poor treatment outcomes depend on the condition's severity 
• High risk of individuals engaging in self-harming or suicidal behaviors
• Social and economic consequences that serve as barriers to people accessing proper treatment

The Importance of Awareness, Education, and Stigma Reduction

As mentioned, July 25th is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, but addressing these issues is integral every day. Raising awareness about the connection between schizophrenia and addiction can help reduce the stigma surrounding both conditions. Hopefully, this can encourage more compassionate, informed responses to struggling individuals. By focusing on education, we can help people and their families better understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and the importance of integrative and personalized treatment. 

Additionally, we must advocate for more accessible and effective treatment options for people living with schizophrenia and SUD. Integrated care can sometimes be challenging, but it's possible. Addressing key aspects of a person's struggles, including both schizophrenic symptoms and co-occurring substance use, is often the most successful way to help people achieve long-term recovery. Therapy, medication management, and support from mental health professionals and specialists can help individuals manage their mental health and substance use issues comprehensively. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with schizophrenia and addiction, seeking integrated treatment is paramount. Contact West Coast Recovery Centers to learn more and find treatment for yourself or a loved one today. 

Individuals struggling with mental health conditions are often at an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). Symptoms sometimes become so severe and overwhelming that they turn to substance use to self-medicate, deal with isolation, or cope with other complex factors surrounding their mental health concerns. Schizophrenia can be exceptionally challenging to manage when also grappling with addiction. Integrated, comprehensive care and treatment are available, but accepting your need for professional support is the first step. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and schizophrenia, please know you aren't alone. There's hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more.