The Link Between Addiction and Schizophrenia

The History of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia was discovered in 1887 by Dr. Emile Kraepelin. But obviously, scientists believe the disease has been around much much longer than that. About one percent of the population in the world will develop the disease.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which people can interpret reality a bit differently. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning and can be disabling. People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment.

People that have schizophrenia may show signs of psychosis and paranoia. They see and hear things that do not exist. Some of the behaviors include being upset out of nowhere, inconsistent changes in behavior, confusion, anxiety, confusion, and anger.

The Genetic Roots of Schizophrenia

Just like individuals who suffer from addiction, denial is a common personality trait for people that have schizophrenia. People will often turn to drugs and alcohol to help deal with the symptoms of schizophrenia.

While there is no real evidence to prove how you can get the disease, there are factors to lead to developing it. There are genetics, the environment you grew up in, and how your brain works are indicators of getting the disorder.

The condition also can run in the family. It is very likely in twins. People with mental illness are very prone to developing a substance addiction. With this disease comes many intangibles that they suffer can not control. The symptoms can be just as deadly as those who suffer from addiction.

Like Addiction, Schizophrenia Doesn’t Discriminate

Mental illness does not discriminate against anyone. Schizophrenia can happen to anyone, no matter what their circumstances are. However, it is slightly more common in males than females, and onset is most prevalent in adolescent years or early adulthood.

It also does run in families. Schizophrenia impacts the way of person thinks and behaves. It can begin for a person in their early teens and progress as the person gets older. The intensity and how long the symptoms stick can differ from person to person.

Though if a person drinks or takes drugs or deals with a lot of stress, it can heighten the effects of the illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Hallucinations – A person can see and hear things that are not present. It also affects all five senses. Hearing voices is the most common occurrence.
Displaced Thinking – A person is all over the place, a general decline in work or school performance can get confused at any given time, a dismal attention span, and an approach to logic. The thoughts that are put together do not quite make sense.

Inconsistent Patterns of Motor Behavior – A person can behave like a child, with resistance to authority and structure, and unpredictability of agitation.

Paranoid Delusions – They may think there is someone else in the room or feel the world is going to end tomorrow at 12:01 am as an example.

Violence – While there is the assumption that people that have this mental condition are violent or have a split personality, that is not necessarily true. A person only becomes that way if they drink or do drugs.

Behavior Changes – This can be apparent in a person’s energy levels, and no interest in daily activities. A person can become a mute and a recluse.
People with schizophrenia are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with substance addiction compared to the general population. Drugs do not directly cause schizophrenia, but studies have shown drug misuse increases the risk of developing schizophrenia or a similar illness.

The

Link Between Schizophrenia and Addiction

Substance abuse study statistics vary widely, with claims ranging from 10% to 70% of people with schizophrenia having a problem. Researchers have found that over half of all people with schizophrenia abuse at least one substance before the onset of the mental illness.

People with schizophrenia also are 4.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder than the general population.

When you mix drugs and alcohol with a mental condition, it can have disastrous consequences. In dealing with the symptoms of this particular medical disorder, a person can turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.

Studies show that half of the people that have schizophrenia have been addicted to a substance before the disease started taking over. People with schizophrenia can turn to substances like heroin, cocaine, and opioids.

People dealing with heroin hallucinations can morph a person into someone prone to violence and unpredictability. Marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol pose one of the biggest threats to a person getting addicted to those substances. Here are how these three substances relate to schizophrenia.

Marijuana/ Cannabis Use and Schizophrenia

For 53% of people that suffered their first occurrence of psychosis, it was discovered that people used marijuana at some point before. Is the question now does marijuana cause schizophrenia?

 The answer is no, as research has concluded. Research does state that younger teens who smoke weed regularly are four times as likely to have schizophrenia in the latter half of their20’ss.Alcohol20’ss Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and alcohol are connected. With the easy accessibility of alcohol, it is a go-to for people struggling with this mental illness. Research has shown that a third of people with schizophrenia are alcoholics.

Meth Use and Schizophrenia

Meth is a drug that is abused by some who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the effects of long-term meth use can lead to a fast onset or worsening of symptoms of schizophrenia.

 Psychosis, a well-known effect of methamphetamine can also closely resemble schizophrenia symptoms. The psychosis that accompanies meth may lead people to believe they have schizophrenia.

 The only way to differentiate the two is if a person abstains from using meth for over 60 days. If symptoms persist over 60 days or longer, it may be an indication that they do have schizophrenia.

Opioid Use and Schizophrenia

Opioid use is serious and continues to increase among Americans. Studies have shown that those who are addicted to opioids have a higher likelihood of developing schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders.

 People who have schizophrenia are also less likely to receive the care they need to overcome opioid addiction. The lack of care and resources increases the chances of homelessness.