Schizophrenia & Addiction

If you’ve noticed some of the signs of schizophrenia in yourself or resonated with one or two of the symptoms listed above, it could be worth considering the questions below. In fact, according to data from Global Data Healthcare, a third of people with schizophrenia go undiagnosed.

Remember, these questions are not meant for an official diagnosis but if you’re concerned, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider for further direction.

• Do you often hear voices or sounds that others around you don’t seem to hear?
• Have you experienced persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that you find difficult to shake, even when others disagree?
• Do you sometimes feel like people are watching or following you without any clear reason?
• Do you frequently struggle with organising your thoughts, making decisions or concentrating on tasks?
• Have you noticed any significant changes in your social interactions, such as withdrawing from friends or family?
• Do you ever feel disconnected from reality, like things around you are not real or you are outside of your body?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions and are concerned, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Studies estimate that 47% to 70% of individuals with schizophrenia also have substance use disorders, and this percentage rises to over 80% when tobacco use is included. Common substances used by people with schizophrenia include tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.

But why is this number so high?

In some cases, individuals with schizophrenia may turn to substances as a form of self-medication, using drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms like hallucinations, delusions or anxiety. This can create a cycle where substance use provides temporary relief but ultimately worsens the symptoms, leading to a potential addiction.

On the other hand, addiction to certain drugs, like cannabis, can also play a role in the development of schizophrenia, especially in individuals who may already be genetically predisposed. Studies have shown that heavy or long-term use of cannabis, particularly in adolescence, could increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

While our main focus is on treating addiction, some therapies, like DBT and holistic practices, can also help individuals manage certain symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it’s important to note that our programme is designed primarily for addiction treatment, and additional mental health support for schizophrenia may be necessary alongside addiction recovery.

The process typically begins with a medically monitored detox (if necessary), where round-the-clock support ensures safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process.

Therapy plays a central role in recovery, offering individual and group sessions to help uncover the underlying causes of addiction while providing tools to manage schizophrenia symptoms. A key therapy used is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills that can improve both their addiction recovery and their ability to manage schizophrenia.

Holistic therapies, such as yoga and meditation, are also integrated into the programme to help reduce stress and promote emotional balance. These practices encourage mindfulness and self-awareness, which can be helpful in managing the symptoms of schizophrenia while also supporting addiction recovery.

The final step in the journey is aftercare, offering continued therapy and group support, ensuring you have the tools to maintain sobriety and manage both conditions over the long term.

If you or someone you know is struggling with schizophrenia and addiction, contact Liberty House today for more information on how we can help.