Subjective experiences related to alcohol use among schizophrenics

Article Abstract:

Noninstitutionalized schizophrenics often use alcohol and other drugs, making proper treatment difficult. One study found that alcoholism and schizophrenia were associated four times more often than in the nonalcoholic population. Schizophrenics who abuse alcohol usually have poor outcomes and related complications including depression, delusions, disruptive behavior, assaultiveness, poor self-care, housing instability, and homelessness. Treatment noncompliance and increased rates of rehospitalization are problems in this group as well. Schizophrenics seem to be vulnerable to abusing alcohol and other drugs. Some investigators conclude that they use these substances to reduce depression or psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions). Other say it is a way to alleviate the negative side effects of psychiatric medications. To learn more about the reasons schizophrenics themselves say they use alcohol, a study was undertaken of 75 outpatients. Subjects were interviewed regarding the relief they experienced with alcohol from nonpsychotic symptoms (social anxiety, tension, shyness) and from psychotic symptoms. More than two-thirds of the 66 subjects who used alcohol said the drug improved social anxiety and tension, and many also reported positive effects on mood, apathy, and sleep. Only 15 percent reported that alcohol helped psychotic symptoms, and about the same number said that alcohol actually made these symptoms worse. Subjects with alcohol disorders (as opposed to social drinkers) were more likely to report improvement in nonpsychotic symptoms. This may be due to the objective effects of alcohol but may also be a rationalization for its use. The use of alcohol by schizophrenics is a complex issue that warrants further study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Alcoholism, Alcohol use

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Housing instability and homelessness among rural schizophrenic patients

Article Abstract:

The effects of housing problems among 75 Caucasian schizophrenic patients living and being treated in a rural area were evaluated and compared with findings of an earlier study that assessed effects of housing instability among urban patients. After standardized interviews, patients were followed-up for one year by clinicians, who evaluated various psychosocial factors, housing stability, alcohol or drug abuse, episodes of homelessness, and psychiatric symptoms. Data analysis revealed that 19 (25 percent) of the patients experienced extreme housing instability during the follow-up period; four had been homeless. Housing instability was significantly related to poor social and family relationships, lack of compliance with medication schedules, alcohol or marijuana abuse, and suicidal thinking. By contrast, 27 percent of the urban patients previously studied had experienced homelessness for prolonged intervals. While psychiatric symptoms were not found to be related to rural housing instability, homeless urban patients exhibited extreme psychiatric symptoms. Rural patients with housing problems did not seek re-hospitalization as a living alternative. However, urban homelessness was found to be a significant predictor of repetitive and long hospital stays, jail institutionalization and alcohol and street-drug abuse. Findings indicate that in both settings, case management should address housing instability. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Economic aspects, Environmental aspects, Homelessness

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Alcohol use and abuse in schizophrenia: a prospective community study

Article Abstract:

Alcohol and drug use and abuse were studied in 115 schizophrenics who had been discharged from a hospital and were participating in an outpatient program. Forty-five percent of the patients used alcohol; 22 percent abused it. Alcohol abuse was associated with male gender, younger age, use of street drugs, medication noncompliance, lack of friendships and other psychosocial supports, more severe symptoms, chronic medical problems, and more frequent rehospitalization. Even minimal drinking increased the likelihood of rehospitalization.

Case studies, Complications and side effects, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Drug use, Alcoholics

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