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Substance use

People with schizophrenia can have co-occurring (comorbid) conditions. These include substance misuse, abuse or dependence, and smoking. Substance misuse is a concern due to its association with poorer clinical and social outcomes. It places additional burden on patients, families, psychiatric services, and government resources due to high rates of treatment non-adherence and relapse. Click on the tabs below to access the information, or browse via the drop-down menu on the left.

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Drug and alcohol use

How is drug and alcohol use related to schizophrenia?  Drug and alcohol use, abuse or dependence are concerns due to the association with high rates of suicide, HIV, homelessness, aggression and incarceration. Moreover, comorbid substance use places additional burden on patients, families, psychiatric services, and government resources due to high rates of treatment non-adherence and relapse. This topic presents the rates of drug and alcohol use in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Please also see the topic on the effects of drug and alcohol use on the course and outcomes of these disorders. What is the evidence for comorbid drug…

Smoking

How is smoking related to schizophrenia?  Tobacco smoking is very common among people with schizophrenia, who often show particularly heavy usage. This poses considerable health risks, may interfere with antipsychotic medications and may place a financial burden on the individual. Heavy cigarette use may contribute to the increased mortality and reduced life expectancy reported within the schizophrenia population. This topic considers the evidence for the rates of smoking among people with schizophrenia. Please also see the topic on the effects of smoking on the course and outcomes of the disorder. What is the evidence for smoking? Moderate quality evidence suggests…

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