Psychosis+and+Self+-+Medication

=__Psychosis and Self - Medication__=

Being diagnosed with psychosis can be overwhelming for an individual. While the most effective treatments are pharmacotherapy and counselling many individuals struggle with medication adherence. The medications will not cure psychosis but they will help to control symptoms the individual is experiencing as long as they continue to take them as prescribed. Since there are several negative side effects that are associated with the anti-psychotic drugs many individuals choose self - medication as an alternative way to cope with their symptoms.

Alcohol and other drugs do not interact well with prescribed medication. Some drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy have more serious physical side-effects, such as cardiac complications. Using alcohol and street drugs can disrupt the individuals physical health, finances and social relationships. Intravenous drug use has the added danger of exposing people to many illnesses including hepatitis or HIV. The most commonly abused street drug is marijuana, otherwise known as “weed” or “dope.” For the average person, occasional use of marijuana does not affect the person’s health or functioning. For people with a psychotic illness, marijuana even in small doses can make recovery more difficult. Using marijuana may increase the risk of a psychotic episode. Despite all these negative consequences, many young people with psychosis continue to use alcohol and other drugs. Many ill people self-medicate, for example some may use marijuana to decrease the anxiety of living with voices. They may continue to have the urge to self-medicate even after optimum treatment has been obtained, as all symptoms may not completely disappear (most notably, the negative symptoms associated with FEP). Others may use drugs in order to fit in with their social circle (Martens and Baker, 2009, pg.9). media type="youtube" key="4KPB7fCth6U" width="425" height="350" align="center"

//**Case Example**// Tom began smoking pot at a young age; several factors may have contributed to his choice to begin using drugs. The first factor is that Tom was an introverted teenager who did not seem to have many friends or social supports. When he began to hang out with a different group of people who were seen as “losers and stoners” Tom could have began smoking pot to fit in better with others and to form some relationships with his peers even though he was being targeted by the group of people he was hanging out with.

Tom began to exhibit behaviours early in his youth that were symptomatic of the **Prodromal Phase** (Low energy levels, poor communication). His symptoms increased as his substance use did, Tom became increasingly withdrawn and started spending all of his time in his room instead of attending school. Tom’s hallucinations were becoming more vivid and compulsive making it evident that he had entered into the **Active or Acute Phase** (Delusions, hallucinations, poor drive, and emotional withdrawal) with the outcome leading to hospitalization and hopefully stabilization through medications in combination with intensive therapy.

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