ABSTRACT
Substance use disorders are common among individuals with schizophrenia, and the comorbidity of the two disorders presents special challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Schizophrenia occurs in about 1-2% of the population; however, this disorder is much more common among patients receiving treatment in mental health settings, where having a co-existing substance use disorder is the rule and not the exception. Cooccurring schizophrenia and addiction is a great public health concern. The combination of disorders increases the cost of care and is associated with poor clinical outcomes, medication noncompliance, higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room visits, more violence and criminal activity, higher rates of HIV, hepatitis C, and greater risk of suicide.
