Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and Their Link to Addiction
Recognizing World Schizophrenia & Psychosis Day
This May 24th, World Schizophrenia & Psychosis Day serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals battling these complex mental health conditions. Individuals who live with these disorders often face discrimination, isolation and struggle to receive adequate healthcare support. Marked by a silver ribbon, World Schizophrenia & Psychosis Day aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma for those affected.
At Dunham House, we are committed to providing holistic care for those affected by addiction and mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and psychosis. This blog post aims to shed light on these conditions, their connection to addiction, and the importance of compassionate support and understanding.
Understanding Schizophrenia and Psychosis as Mental Health Disorders
Schizophrenia and psychosis are often misunderstood conditions.
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by periods of psychosis where individuals experience distorted thinking, disorganized behaviour, hallucinations, and delusions.
According to the WHO, schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 300 people worldwide, making it one of the rarer mental health disorders. It is tied to both environmental and genetic factors, occurring in 10 percent of people with a close family member who are diagnosed. Onset of the condition typically happens in late adolescence and early adulthood, with more men affected than women.
Psychosis, on the other hand, is a period when an individual loses touch with reality. The main symptoms of psychosis are hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there) and delusions (intense false beliefs).
While psychosis goes has in hand with schizophrenia, psychotic episodes can be triggered by a range of other factors, including:
Other mental health disorders
Medical conditions
Sleep deprivation
Substance abuse
Signs of Psychosis to Look out for
Individuals sufferings from schizophrenia may start showing signs before undergoing a psychotic episode.
Early signs may include social withdrawal, unusual behaviour, and difficulty concentrating. This may be paired with overall decline in personal hygiene, self-care and responsibility maintenance.
The Link Between Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and Addiction
While the exact relationship between addiction and schizophrenia or psychosis is complex, it is clear that substance abuse can act as a trigger or multiplier for these conditions in vulnerable individuals.
Individuals with schizophrenia or psychosis are more vulnerable to substance abuse, which can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. In fact, research indicates that approximately 50% of individuals living with schizophrenia have a history of substance abuse and addiction.
It’s critical to be aware of the ways in which substance abuse and psychotic disorders may interact in order to reduce harm and potential long-term effects.
Substance use can trigger the onset of schizophrenia or psychosis episodes
The use of drugs or alcohol can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially triggering the onset of schizophrenia or psychosis in those who are predisposed to these disorders.
Schizophrenia can predispose individuals to addiction
The neurobiological effects of schizophrenia and psychosis can predispose individuals to addiction. These disorders often involve disruptions in the brain's reward system and neurotransmitter function, making individuals more susceptible to the reinforcing effects of drugs and alcohol.
Addiction can be part of an unhealthy coping mechanism
Substance abuse can be a form of self-medication for individuals experiencing the distressing symptoms of schizophrenia or psychosis. Drugs and alcohol may temporarily alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoia, leading to a cycle of substance abuse as a means of coping.
Substance use can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis
Substance abuse can also worsen existing symptoms of schizophrenia or psychosis. Drugs and alcohol can amplify hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms, making it more challenging for individuals to distinguish between what is real and what is not. This can lead to a worsening of their mental health and an increased risk of self-harm or harm to other.
Substance use can interfere with medication
Additionally, substance abuse can interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat schizophrenia or psychosis. This can make it more difficult for individuals to manage their own symptoms and take control of their condition.
Treating Concurrent Schizophrenia and Addiction Disorders
Treating co-occurring schizophrenia and addiction disorders requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This is especially delicate for individuals experiencing high degrees of distress when continuing to use during a psychotic episode.
Dual diagnosis programs, like the one offered at Dunham House, are specifically designed to treat these complex cases, recognizing that treating one condition without addressing the other is often ineffective.
The first step in dual diagnosis treatment is typically detoxification, where the individual's body is rid of the substance(s) they have been using. This process is closely monitored by a clinical team to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient.
Once detox is complete, the focus shifts to treating the underlying schizophrenia and addiction disorders. This often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, rehabilitation education, and self-help groups. Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, while treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are used to address the addiction and underlying psychological issues.
Family therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with co-occurring schizophrenia and addiction, as it can help to reduce stressors within the family environment that may contribute to both conditions. CBT, on the other hand, helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their addiction and schizophrenia symptoms.
Overall, the key to successfully treating co-occurring schizophrenia and addiction disorders lies in a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
Dunham House's unique Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approach
At Dunham House, we offer dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both mental health and addiction. Our clinical teams are trained in supporting individuals with a number of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and psychosis.
By providing highly individualized care our residents, we help manage the complexity of concurrent disorders and building the foundations for long-term recovery. Treatment options are numerous, with the option of inpatient residential stays, outpatient services and a range of evidence-based therapies.
If you are a loved one are currently struggling with schizophrenia or psychosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today to learn how we can help.
About Dunham House
Located in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Dunham House is a residential treatment centre for individuals suffering from mental health and concurrent disorders including addiction. Dunham House is the only residential facility of its kind in Quebec that operates in English, with therapeutic activities such as art, music, yoga, and equine assisted therapy.
Click here more information about our programs and admissions.