Alcohol: Dependence and Support
Alcohol dependence can involve impaired control, prioritisation of drinking and continued use despite harm, often with tolerance or withdrawal. It can coexist with schizophrenia and may be shaped by distress, social circumstances or established habits.…Continue Reading
Alcohol: Effects on Sleep and Functioning
Alcohol may initially produce drowsiness but can disrupt sleep quality and later-night sleep. It can also affect concentration, mood, routines and participation the following day. These effects may interact with symptoms or medication-related sleepiness, making…Continue Reading
Alcohol: Medication Interactions
Alcohol can add to the sedating and impairing effects of some antipsychotics and other medicines. Dizziness, reduced coordination and slower reactions may increase risks during driving or other activities. Interactions differ between products and can…Continue Reading
Alcohol: Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can occur when a person who has developed physiological dependence substantially reduces or stops drinking. Symptoms can include tremor, sweating, anxiety, nausea and disturbed sleep. Severe withdrawal can involve seizures or delirium and…Continue Reading
Alcohol: Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication can affect judgment, coordination, attention and emotional regulation. The degree depends on exposure and individual factors, including other substances or medicines. Behaviour during intoxication may be difficult to distinguish from psychiatric deterioration, while…Continue Reading
Cannabis: Dependence and Support
Cannabis dependence can involve difficulty controlling use, increasing priority given to it and continued use despite problems. Withdrawal may include irritability, sleep difficulty or other symptoms, which can complicate efforts to stop. A person may…Continue Reading
Cannabis: Effects on Illness Course
Cannabis use after psychosis begins is associated with poorer outcomes in many studies, including concerns about symptom recurrence and treatment disruption. The relationship can involve direct effects, sleep changes, other substances and difficulties maintaining care.…Continue Reading
Cannabis: Associations with Schizophrenia
Research links cannabis use, particularly frequent or high-THC exposure, with increased risk of psychotic disorders. The evidence is consistent with an important contributory role, while the precise pathway and individual susceptibility vary. Many cannabis users…Continue Reading
Cannabis: Acute Psychotic Effects
THC can produce transient experiences such as suspiciousness, unusual perceptions or disturbed thinking. Effects vary with potency, amount, route, previous exposure and individual susceptibility. Some episodes are more severe or last beyond ordinary intoxication, requiring…Continue Reading
Cannabis: THC and CBD
THC is the main intoxicating component of cannabis and can alter perception, memory and threat interpretation. CBD has different pharmacology and does not produce the same typical intoxicating effects. Products vary widely in their content…Continue Reading