Q: does alcohol and drugs play a role in schizophrenia
Hi Darlene,
Use of drugs or alcohol can cause psychotic symptoms. I've heard that a significant number of people diagnosed with SZ have a co-occurring chemical dependency.
If a person has SZ and wanted to make sure he didn't recover, he would continue to use drugs or alcohol. Even dabbling in recreational use would kill any chance of a successful recovery.
Regards,
Christina
Dear Ms. Correll,
This is only my opinion. I believe that my drug and alcohol abuse triggered my schizoaffective disorder (SZA). I was out partying when my first hallucination occurred in the form of voices. The last time I tried drugs I was extremely paranoid and psychotic. That was 25 years ago. I truly believe drugs helped trigger my SZA.
My pdoc said I was like the space shuttle that blew up. There was something wrong with it before the launch. I believe that I was born with SZA. The physical abuse I sustained as a child is also part of my SZA.
Well I was doing drugs especially pot for along time but until I was doing more hard stuff like Ice(meth) ,it wasn't until I quite that I had my first exciting episode to the mental ward but sometimes when people have scizophrenia they want to keep their moods regulated the wrong way so they stay tore up.I still fight addictions myself cause I am not on the right meds cause I lost my job and have no insurance for this.I take 20 mg. lexapro that barely helps.It is sometimes a struggle but if someone stays straight they have less chance of reoccuring pychosis.
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