Drugs can do a lot of things. They create effects in our bodies that may seem strange, uncomfortable, or even otherworldly. You may have heard the term “bad trip,” “paranoia,” or “mental spiral.” Yes, there are lots of names for some very frightening drug experiences. They get you high, make you hungry, heal pain, cause dependency, and so many other things. But can drugs cause schizophrenia?
To a degree.
Before we get into the details of that answer, let’s talk about schizophrenia.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Roughly one percent of the global population has the mental illness known as schizophrenia. The people who are diagnosed with this disorder have difficulty thinking and feeling clearly. It also affects their behaviors. They may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thoughts. And this typically means they act in ways that seem out of the norm for neurotypical people.
Simply put, it’s a situation in the brain. Sometimes, certain brains have different amounts or balances of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. That said, schizophrenia can be inherited. It has a strong genetic component. In other words, if both of your parents suffer from schizophrenia, you have a much higher chance of getting it.
However, drugs don’t typically cause it. But they can trigger it, increase the risk, or unmask it.
Can Drugs Cause Schizophrenia?
The danger has more to do with someone who is already predisposed to schizophrenia.
For example, heavy cannabis use during adolescence increases the likelihood of schizophrenia by 2-3 times in genetically vulnerable people.
Meth and LSD, drugs that affect dopamine and serotonin systems, may create psychotic episodes. When a person is seeing things or hearing things that aren’t there because of a “bad trip,” it can unmask or accelerate latent schizophrenia.
Some drugs, however, can make a person feel like they might have schizophrenia.
Which Drugs Can Lead to Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms?
Some drugs are more notorious than others for triggering schizophrenia-like effects:
- Marijuana: The THC compound will disrupt dopamine. This is particularly dangerous for developing brains. Heavy pot smoking before a person turns 18 creates a higher risk of psychosis.
- Meth: Again, this one influences the dopamine output of the brain. It floods is. The result could be paranoia or hallucinations.
- LSD and Psychedelics: These drugs alter serotonin signaling, causing intense hallucinations and “bad trips.”
- Cocaine: Cocaine’s short-term effects involve hyperactivity and paranoia, while prolonged use can result in psychosis.
While many of these psychoses might look and feel like schizophrenia, they are actually drug-induced symptoms. They are short-term and should fade as your body detoxes. They definitely are not fun or good, but they are not the chronic mental health disorder.
Can Drugs Cause Schizophrenia: The Connection
There is a tangled web here. Drug addiction and schizophrenia are linked to genetics and environment. And a person struggling with symptoms of severe mental health issues may find some pause to their pain in the effects of drugs.
This, of course, is the cycle that can turn into a cyclone. One of impaired judgment, perception, perceived reality, depression, isolation, and the brain’s reward system.
To make matters worse, if the person caught in the storm is in their adolescence, while the brain is developing, psychosis and schizophrenia (for someone predisposed) are put on fast-forward. It’s easy to believe the temporary feeling from drugs is helping, but here, it is contributing to a volatile situation.
Drug Addiction Help in Arkansas
What we are dealing with here are multiple complex issues. The question, “Can drugs cause schizophrenia?” is not a simple one. When brain-altering substances are in play, just about anything can go haywire.
This is one of the insidious aspects of drug use and addiction. The effects are deep. Sometimes to the deepest core of your psychology, triggering issues that could destroy a life.
Do you know someone who may be at risk of either drug-induced psychosis or schizophrenia triggered by drug use? Know there is help available. At EagleCrest Recovery, we understand the realities and complexity of treating other mental health illnesses alongside substance use disorders. If you want to find out how it is treated or have any questions about our Benton County, Arkansas rehab program, call today: 844-439-7627.
