Which symptoms are shared by people with schizophrenia and substance abusers?
Schizophrenia and substance abuse share similar symptoms, so they cannot be treated separately. At first glance, you may see that the two seem nothing alike, but once you look closer, you can quickly see many commonalities. The following symptoms are prevalent in both people with schizophrenia and substance abusers.
A hallucination is the brain’s interpretation of signals that aren’t there. It can take many forms, like hearing voices or seeing things other people don’t perceive. Hallucinations might also appear as a new taste or smell in your mouth.
Hallucinations are often linked to psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they can also be a symptom of drug abuse or even a side effect of a medication.
Delusion
Perhaps, the most problematic of all the shared symptoms is delusion, and it can be linked to either schizophrenia or substance abuse. But, a person with schizophrenia who’s also a substance abuser will have a much worse delusion than a person with schizophrenia who isn’t.
Delusions are false beliefs that don’t change even after a person who has them is presented with new facts — for example, believing that a stranger is telepathically communicating with you or that a group of people is plotting against you. Delusion can lead to paranoia.
Disorganized speech and behavior
Disorganized speech and behavior is a major maker of schizophrenia. It is commonly mistaken for the effects of substance abuse or addiction. Incoherent speech can be frustrating to those diagnosed with schizophrenia because it adds to the stigma they already face.
Lack of motivation
One of the most common symptoms shared between schizophrenia and substance abuse is a lack of motivation. People with either condition may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed and going to work or school, or performing other daily tasks requiring motivation.
Social withdrawal
After getting diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person may have difficulty making and keeping friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Substance abuse can also cause social withdrawal. Many people use alcohol or drugs to feel less anxious in social situations, but this may only be a temporary solution. They may become more anxious over time because they dread being cut off from their substance of choice due to financial problems or legal issues.