My sister often asks me for a few dollars to get some cigarettes. The intensity of her need to smoke often reaches fearful levels if refused. I often cave in and give her a few dollars for cigarettes. However, I am not sure if this is making things worse or better. She is currently about to get treatment.
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Q: Should I help a diagnosed schizophrenic get cigarettes?
Answers (2)
2/25/09 4:07pm
Hello,
I've had trouble sending my response so forgive me if it gets sent twice by accident.
When someone smokes and takes SZ medication, I've heard that often the medication needs to be adjusted because of the cigarette smoking, so it's never a good idea to smoke while you're taking SZ meds.
Allgedly statistics prove that people with SZ smoke at a higher rate than the general public, and undoubtedly the nictone causes them relief, so it will be hard for your sis to kick her addiction.
My take on this is that you could go broke giving her cigarette money every time she asks. In New York City, I believe cigarettes could something outrageous like $9.00 a pack, so you could go broke.
My last concern is that if your sister continues to smoke, it will affect her medication. So I would hope she is honest with her psychiatrist about the fact that she smokes.
Regards,
Christina
2/25/09 11:34am
well personally i know from experience that smoking does something to me
when i smoke i calm down and i guess focus better i know that smoking is not
good but when i dont have a smoke or money to buy smokes i tend to panic a little
and then i start searching on the ground for butts or something with a little tobacco in
it so i guess maybe it is ok to give her ciggarettes but you should do like my mom does
if i want to smoke i have to buy my own sometimes i have to certian chores around the house in order to get money she doesnt just hand it to me it also makes me learn that if i wanna smoke i gotta earn it i hope this helps 
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By echobong— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 02/25/09
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