{"id":3020,"date":"2022-02-07T08:29:19","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T07:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/?page_id=3020"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:13:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T14:13:54","slug":"alcohol-and-schizophrenia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/alcohol-and-schizophrenia\/","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol and schizophrenia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-inpage-nav-rea-inpage-nav-block rea-inpage-nav-block front has-margin\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png)\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"inpage-nav-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png\"><\/div><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content--wrapper\"><div class=\"text-wrapper\"><h2 class=\"inpage-nav-title\">Alcohol and schizophrenia<\/h2><ul class=\"inpage-nav-list\"><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"section-nav\"><h4 class=\"section-nav--title\">In this section<\/h4><div class=\"section-nav--nav-items js-inpage-nav-items\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-illustration-rea-illustration-block rea-illustration-block front\"><img class=\"illustration-bg\" alt=\"\"><div class=\"rea-illustration-block__content\"><div class=\"rea-illustration-block__image image-wrapper\"><a href=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"is-blocked\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"illustration left\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SchizophreniaLife_Public_Article_2_Alcohol_immagine.png\" style=\"max-width: 72%\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rea-mobile illustration-mobile\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/SchizophreniaLife_Public_Article_2_Alcohol_immagine.png\"><\/a><\/div><p class=\"rea-site__caption caption-text align-left\"><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-separator-rea-separator-block rea-separator-block front\"><div class=\"rea-separator-block__content\"><hr class=\"rea-separator-block__separator\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"stronghow-much-alcohol-is-too-muchstrong\" class=\"content-title \"><strong>How much alcohol is too much?<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle rea-hidden\"><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">It\u2019s generally accepted that drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week \u2013 spread over several days \u2013\u00a0is associated with the least risk to health.<sup>2,3\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0There is no completely safe alcohol limit,<sup>4\u00a0<\/sup> however,and while people who drink more than this on a regular basis do not necessarily have a problem with alcohol, they are putting themselves at higher risk for developing chronic health issues.<sup>5<\/sup><br><br><strong>What\u2019s a unit of alcohol?<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-list-rea-list-block rea-list-block front\"><div class=\"rea-list-block__wrapper\"><div class=\"list-unordered list\"><p>A unit of alcohol is 10 ml or 8 g of pure alcohol.<sup>2\u00a0<\/sup><\/p><p>It\u2019s the amount the average human can process in 1 hour.<sup>\u00a02<\/sup><\/p><p>The number of units in a drink depends on its strength (alcohol by volume or ABV) as well as its size (e.g., a glass or pint).<sup>\u00a02<\/sup><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Signs that someone may be drinking too much and may have developed alcohol use disorder include:<sup>3,6<\/sup>\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-list-rea-list-block rea-list-block front\"><div class=\"rea-list-block__wrapper\"><div class=\"list-unordered list\"><p>Thinking about alcohol all the time and planning the day around having a drink.<\/p><p>Feeling compelled to drink and finding it hard to stop once starting.<\/p><p>Feeling the need to drink when you wake up or soon after.<\/p><p>Having withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, or feeling sick, which stop after having an alcoholic drink.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-separator-rea-separator-block rea-separator-block front\"><div class=\"rea-separator-block__content\"><hr class=\"rea-separator-block__separator\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"strongalcohol-use-disorder-and-schizophreniastrong\" class=\"content-title \"><strong>Alcohol use disorder and schizophrenia<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle rea-hidden\"><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Alcohol use disorder is a condition where drinking alcohol causes undue distress or harm to the individual or others.<sup>6.7\u00a0<\/sup>It can be described as mild, moderate or severe, depending on the importance of alcohol to the individual.<sup>6,7<\/sup> \u00a0<br>\u00a0<br>It\u2019s a condition that may affect up to a quarter of people with schizophrenia at some point in their illness, with studies showing that people diagnosed with psychotic disorder are three times more likely to be heavy drinkers than those in the general population.<sup>1<\/sup>\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br>Regardless of how many people with schizophrenia may be affected, what\u2019s important is the detrimental effect that alcohol use disorder can have on the individual.<sup>1<\/sup> Alcohol may not only increase the risk for psychotic symptoms, depression and suicide, but also increase the risk for chronic physical problems, hospitalization, aggression, violence and even possible imprisonment if left unchecked.<sup>1,8<\/sup><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-separator-rea-separator-block rea-separator-block front\"><div class=\"rea-separator-block__content\"><hr class=\"rea-separator-block__separator\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"strongalcohol-and-antipsychotics-not-a-good-combinationstrong\" class=\"content-title \"><strong>Alcohol and antipsychotics \u2013 not a good combination<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle rea-hidden\"><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Alcohol\u00a0can\u00a0affect\u00a0how well\u00a0these medications work, increasing the chance for side effects such as:<sup>9<\/sup><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-list-rea-list-block rea-list-block front\"><div class=\"rea-list-block__wrapper\"><div class=\"list-unordered list\"><p>Drowsiness<\/p><p>Feeling dizzy<\/p><p>Difficulty concentrating<\/p><p>Impaired thinking or judgement.\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-separator-rea-separator-block rea-separator-block front\"><div class=\"rea-separator-block__content\"><hr class=\"rea-separator-block__separator\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"strongwhy-do-some-people-with-schizophrenia-drink-too-muchstrong\" class=\"content-title \"><strong>Why do some people with schizophrenia drink too much?<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle rea-hidden\"><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">There are a few theories as to why people with schizophrenia may feel more compelled to drink than others.<sup>1,8<\/sup> One popular idea is that people are \u2018self-medicating\u2019 and trying to cope with their psychotic symptoms by \u2018blunting\u2019 them,<sup>8<\/sup> although there is not sufficient evidence to support this.<sup>1<\/sup><br>\u00a0<br>Another theory is that people with schizophrenia can\u2019t help but drink, because it\u2019s down to their genetics.<sup>1<\/sup> Interestingly, recent research has shown that there is a genetic factor called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that may be linked to the co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder in people with schizophrenia.<sup>1<\/sup><br>\u00a0<br>Whatever the reason is, finding a way to help people living with schizophrenia moderate their alcohol intake is important both in terms of preventing the development of alcohol use disorder and improving their overall health.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-separator-rea-separator-block rea-separator-block front\"><div class=\"rea-separator-block__content\"><hr class=\"rea-separator-block__separator\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"stronghow-can-problematic-alcohol-use-be-managedstrong\" class=\"content-title \"><strong>How can problematic alcohol use be managed?<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle rea-hidden\"><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">The first step in managing problematic alcohol use is perhaps obvious \u2013 recognize that help is needed.<sup>8<\/sup> Depending on the severity of the drinking, talking to a general family doctor, community mental health team or a psychiatrist may be beneficial.<sup>8<\/sup>\u00a0 Note that while there are specific support groups for alcohol-related problems, the approach taken may be rather confrontational which may not suit someone with schizophrenia.<sup>8\u00a0<\/sup><br>\u00a0<br>Some of the approaches taken to treat someone with alcohol use disorder include detoxification and withdrawal, and psychological counselling.<sup>\u00a010<\/sup> There are also oral and injected medications that can be used to treat and prevent further alcohol misuse; these work by either removing the pleasure obtained from drinking alcohol or make the drinker feel unwell when consuming alcohol.<sup>8,10<\/sup><br>\u00a0<br>A combination of approaches may be needed to help someone living with both schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder,<sup>1\u00a0<\/sup>together with ongoing support.<sup>10<\/sup> \u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-references-rea-references-block rea-references-block front\"><div class=\"rea-references-block__references\"><p class=\"references-title\">References<\/p><ol class=\"references-list\"><li>Archibald L, Brunette MF, Wallin DJ, Greena AI.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.35946\/arcr.v40.1.06\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol use disorder and schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder<\/a>. <em>Alcohol Res<\/em>. 2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.06.<\/li><li>NHS.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/alcohol-support\/calculating-alcohol-units\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol units.<\/a>\u00a0Accessed December 2021.<\/li><li>Drink aware.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drinkaware.co.uk\/facts\/health-effects-of-alcohol\/mental-health\/alcohol-dependence\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol dependence and withdrawal<\/a>. Accessed December 2021.\u00a0<\/li><li>Frank.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.talktofrank.com\/drug\/alcohol\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol<\/a>. Accessed December 2021.<\/li><li>World Health Organization.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/alcohol\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol<\/a>. Accessed December 2021.<\/li><li>National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Understanding alcohol use disorder<\/a>. April 2021.<\/li><li>MedinePlus.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/alcoholusedisorderaud.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol use disorder (AUD)<\/a>. Accessed December 2021<\/li><li>Living with Schizophrenia.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/livingwithschizophreniauk.org\/information-sheets\/schizophrenia-and-alcohol\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schizophrenia and alcohol<\/a>. January 2016.\u00a0<\/li><li>Drugs.com.\u00a0<a href=\"file:\/\/\/Users\/medwriter\/MedWriter%20Limited\/Client%20Work\/Client%20Work%202021\/NewWay\/Q2%20Content%20\/Patient%20articles\/Patient%20articles\/Addiction%20-%20Alcohol\/1.%09https%3A\/www.drugs.com\/article\/antipsychotic-medications-alcohol.html\">Antipsychotic medications and alcohol interactions<\/a>. November 2019.<\/li><li>Mayo Clinic.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/alcohol-use-disorder\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20369250\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol use disorder<\/a>. Accessed December 2021.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front rea-share-block\" style=\"margin-bottom:30px;text-align:center;\">\n\t\t<div class=\"\">\n\t\t\t<span style=\"display:block;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:20px;\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3020\" class=\"facebook-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3020\" class=\"linkedin-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"rea_page_title_signed_in_meta_block_field":"Alcohol and schizophrenia: what\u2019s the connection?","rea_page_title_signed_out_meta_block_field":"Alcohol and schizophrenia: what\u2019s the connection?","rea_page_description_signed_in_meta_block_field":"It\u2019s generally accepted that drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week \u2013 spread over several days \u2013 is associated with the least risk to health. There is no completely safe alcohol limit, however,and while people who drink more than this on a regular basis do not necessarily have a problem with alcohol, they are putting themselves at higher risk for developing chronic health issues.","rea_page_description_signed_out_meta_block_field":"It\u2019s generally accepted that drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week \u2013 spread over several days \u2013 is associated with the least risk to health. There is no completely safe alcohol limit, however,and while people who drink more than this on a regular basis do not necessarily have a problem with alcohol, they are putting themselves at higher risk for developing chronic health issues.","rea_page_footer_id_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_footer_date_meta_block_field":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3020","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3020"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5062,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3020\/revisions\/5062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}