Schizophrenia and Addiction | Links, Symptoms and Treatment

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterised by distorted thinking, perceptions, emotions, language and behaviour. According to the DSM-V, it involves symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech and impaired functioning. The severity varies, from mild cases to those severely impacting daily life.

With the right combination of medication and therapy, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms effectively, leading to fulfilling lives. While it’s a challenging condition, ongoing treatment and support can make a significant difference.

What are the main signs of schizophrenia?

Understanding the main signs of schizophrenia allows for quick treatment intervention in yourself and those you are concerned about. Here are the key symptoms to watch out for:

Hallucinations: Experiencing sensations that aren’t real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there. This can be incredibly distressing and confusing for the individual.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that aren’t based in reality, such as thinking one has superpowers or believing that others are plotting against them.
Disorganised thinking: Difficulty organising thoughts, leading to jumbled or incoherent speech. This can make communication challenging and often leads to frustration.
Negative symptoms: A reduction or lack of ability to function normally. This includes a lack of motivation, withdrawal from social activities and a decrease in emotional expression.
Cognitive symptoms: Trouble with memory, attention and decision-making. This can affect day-to-day activities and make it hard for the individual to manage personal and professional responsibilities.

These are the base symptoms of schizophrenia, but it’s important to note that there are different kinds. We take a look at these variations in the next section.

What are the different types of schizophrenia?

Here, we examine some of the most common types of schizophrenia and their symptoms to gain a broader understanding of the condition.

Paranoid schizophrenia

Symptoms: Hallucinations (often auditory, such as hearing voices), delusions (usually involving persecution or grandiosity), anxiety, anger, aloofness and argumentativeness. The person’s cognitive abilities and affect are relatively intact.

Disorganised schizophrenia (also known as Hebephrenic schizophrenia):

Symptoms: Disorganised thinking and speech, inappropriate or flat affect (lack of emotional expression), difficulty with daily activities, incoherent speech and behaviour that is not goal-directed or appropriate for the situation.

Catatonic schizophrenia

Symptoms: Disturbances in movement, ranging from a dramatic reduction in activity to excessive and peculiar movements. Symptoms may include stupor, rigidity, posturing, mutism and purposeless agitation. Patients may also mimic sounds (echolalia) or movements (echopraxia).

Undifferentiated schizophrenia

Symptoms: A mixture of symptoms from the other types of schizophrenia that do not fit neatly into any one category. This may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech or behaviour and negative symptoms like blunted affect or social withdrawal.

Residual schizophrenia

Symptoms: A history of at least one episode of schizophrenia but currently presenting with less severe symptoms. This can include mild hallucinations or delusions, social withdrawal, lack of motivation or impaired cognitive function.

The link between schizophrenia and addiction

Over the years, the connection between schizophrenia and addiction has been extensively studied, revealing a complex and multifaceted link. Worryingly, research shows that up to 80% of individuals with schizophrenia also have a substance use disorder (SUD).

Below, we delve into some of the reasons behind this high percentage and the strong link between these conditions.

Addiction worsening existing schizophrenia symptoms

Some people may turn to substances to self-medicate and alleviate the discomfort of schizophrenic symptoms. This can lead to a vicious cycle of growing addiction. But what impact does this have on schizophrenia for the individual?

In a systematic review of the literature that focuses on addiction and schizophrenia, it was found that substance use disorders are associated with serious adverse consequences in patients with schizophrenia.

Those with co-occurring substance use issues tend to experience worse psychiatric symptoms, decreased overall functioning and an increase in medical illnesses and mortality compared to those without substance use disorders. This combination can create a challenging cycle, where worsening mental health can lead to increased substance use, further exacerbating the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Individuals with schizophrenia need to receive comprehensive treatment that addresses both their mental health and substance use issues to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Substance use/addiction causing schizophrenia

While it’s not clear whether or not early substance abuse can cause schizophrenia, there are certain drugs that have been linked to this.

For example, several studies suggest a potential link between adolescent cannabis use and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

The research found that individuals with cannabis use disorder at ages 18 and 21 exhibited notably higher rates of psychosis compared to non-cannabis users.

Similarly, another study reported that adolescents who used cannabis at age 15 were more likely to develop a schizophreniform disorder by age 26, even after accounting for prior psychotic symptoms. These findings highlight a concerning trend where early cannabis use may contribute to the onset of serious mental health issues.

It’s well-known that schizophrenia can often lead to substance abuse. However, the connection between cannabis use and the increased risk of developing schizophrenia remains a key area of study. Understanding these relationships is vital for creating effective prevention strategies and improving care for at-risk patients. Educating young people about the dangers of cannabis use and intervening early could significantly reduce these potential long-term mental health issues.

How are schizophrenia and addiction addressed at Linwood House?

When addiction and schizophrenia are both present, the treatment process can become more complex due to the intrinsic connection between these conditions. At Linwood House, our team is dedicated to helping individuals manage addiction while addressing the challenges of schizophrenia, guiding many through significant strides in their recovery journey.

Before starting rehab at Linwood House, your schizophrenia symptoms must be stable. This step is crucial because the treatment can be mentally demanding, which might exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms. Once your condition is stable, you can begin your rehabilitation at Linwood House, where we provide prescribed medications and additional support tailored to your needs.

You will then embark on a comprehensive programme of addiction counselling therapies, designed to support your recovery and offer substantial benefits for schizophrenia symptoms.

Our therapeutic approaches include:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on emotion regulation and improving relationships. It is especially helpful for those with schizophrenia, teaching effective emotion management without relying on addictive substances.
Family therapy: Family therapy involves your loved ones in the treatment process, creating open communication and helping families understand the complexities of both conditions.
Mindfulness-based therapy: Using mindfulness techniques like meditation, this therapy helps manage stress and emotions, benefiting both addiction and schizophrenia by improving emotional regulation and reducing anxiety or stress.
Group therapy: Group therapy offers peer support and reduces isolation, which is beneficial for those with schizophrenia and addiction. It helps boost self-esteem through shared experiences.

What are the next steps?

Struggling with both schizophrenia and addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Linwood House, we specialise in programmes designed to address dual diagnoses with compassion and expertise. Our experienced team is here to support your journey to recovery, offering personalised treatment plans and a nurturing environment. Reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical causes of schizophrenia?

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but typical causes may include:

Genetic factors
Neurochemical imbalances (e.g., dopamine and serotonin)
Structural brain abnormalities
Environmental factors (e.g., stress, trauma, substance abuse)
Prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition.

Is schizophrenia hereditary?

Yes, schizophrenia can have a hereditary component. Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the disorder, though it is not guaranteed.

I think I might have schizophrenia, how do I go about getting a schizophrenia diagnosis?

To seek a schizophrenia diagnosis, consult a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your symptoms, medical history, and possibly a physical exam to rule out other conditions.

(Click here to see works cited)

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Masroor A, Khorochkov A, Prieto J, Singh KB, Nnadozie MC, Abdal M, Shrestha N, Abe RAM, Mohammed L. Unraveling the Association Between Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder-Predictors, Mechanisms and Treatment Modifications: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2021 Jul 29;13(7):e16722. doi: 10.7759/cureus.16722. PMID: 34513357; PMCID: PMC8405179.
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