Is substance abuse common in people with schizophrenia?

Yes, nearly half of the people suffering from schizophrenia also present with a lifetime history of substance use disorders. The most common substance of abuse is nicotine, followed by alcohol, and then cannabis. It is important to treat any substance abuse right away as any substance abuse in schizophrenia is associated with higher rates of relapse and need for hospitalization.

REFERENCE
Volkow ND. (2009) Substance Use Disorders in Schizophrenia—Clinical Implications of Comorbidity, Schizophrenia Bulletin, 35(3), Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2669586/

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