Psychosis and substance abuse

Disturbing new evidence has revealed that the use of alcohol and illicit substances is much higher in people with a mental illness than among the general population.

An Australian study looked at the rates of abuse among people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They found the rates of alcohol abuse were 36.3% for males, and 15.7% for females (compares to 3.1% for males and 1.3% for females in the general population).

For illicit substances the rates were 38.7% for males and 17% for females (9.4% and 3.7% in the general population respectively).

The most common illicit substances used were cannabis and amphetamines. There is little doubt that the prolonged use of these drugs can damage the brain and lead to severe mental disorders.

Other research revealed that the use of these drugs can cause a relapse in people who suffer from psychosis. Young people who use cannabis daily were up to three times more likely to experience psychotic symptoms that require hospitalisation.

Cannabis use generally makes psychotic symptoms worse and lowers the chance of recovery from a psychotic episode.

Remember: The best treatment strategy is to address substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously. Your GP can diagnose and manage these issues.

Source: Australian Family Physician Vol.35, No. 3, March 2006