Schizophrenia and drug abuse: Are they related?  content
provided by  Schizophrenia and drug abuse: Are they related?
Is it possible to diagnose schizophrenia in a person with
substance abuse problems? Or does the person have to get clean
first?    Chronic substance abuse can be associated with
symptoms of serious mental illness such as schizophrenia. But it
can be difficult to determine if the drug abuse is causing
symptoms of schizophrenia, or if the schizophrenia is prompting
the drug abuse. Some research suggests a link between use of a
specific drug, such as marijuana, and development of
schizophrenia in individuals who have an underlying
predisposition to the disease.  People with schizophrenia are at
greater risk of substance abuse. The reason for this isn't
clear. But they may use alcohol or drugs to try to relieve or
decrease symptoms of the illness. Unfortunately, substance abuse
can actually increase symptoms and complicate treatment.  It's
critical to accurately diagnose and treat substance abus