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Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP)
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INFORMATION FOR

Substance Use

Substance use is detrimental to recovery. For example, someone who resumes cannabis use will almost certainly impede recovery. Substance misuse may also become a problem that requires treatment in itself.

For a person experiencing a psychotic episode, the use of street drugs and alcohol is even more dangerous than for the general population. Some of the additional risks include:

  • Increased risk of relapse
  • Development of more secondary problems, such as depression, anxiety or memory problems
  • Slower recovery
  • More persistent psychotic symptoms
  • Dangerous interactions between street drugs and the prescribed medications you are taking
Alcohol in small quantities can usually be combined with most medications, but there are certain medications that require alcohol to be avoided. Patients are advised to talk with their clinician or psychiatrist about alcohol use while taking the medications.