Schizophrenia & Substance Use
Integrated, evidence-based treatment with holistic care in the Hollywood Hills.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. It is characterized by a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dysfunctions, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or behavior, and impaired cognitive functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) estimates that more than 24 million people worldwide live with schizophrenia, while the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that approximately 1% of the U.S. population is affected. According to leading psychiatrists such as Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman of Columbia University, schizophrenia is linked to structural and chemical abnormalities in the brain, particularly in dopamine and glutamate pathways. Symptoms typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood and can significantly impair judgment, motivation, and emotional regulation if untreated.
How does Schizophrenia impact life and lead to substance use?
Schizophrenia can deeply affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from relationships and employment to self-care and safety. The disorder often causes social withdrawal, cognitive difficulties, and disorganized thought patterns that make daily functioning extremely challenging. Individuals with schizophrenia have a higher risk of co-occurring substance use disorders—studies from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggest that up to 50% of individuals with schizophrenia also struggle with drug or alcohol misuse. Substance use can temporarily numb distressing hallucinations or paranoia but often worsens psychotic symptoms and interferes with treatment effectiveness. People living with untreated schizophrenia are also at least three times more likely to be hospitalized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports elevated suicide rates among this population, particularly during early stages of the illness. Without proper care, the condition can lead to repeated hospitalizations, homelessness, or incarceration, underscoring the need for comprehensive, long-term treatment.
How does Bliss Recovery treat Schizophrenia?
At Bliss Recovery, schizophrenia treatment is approached with compassion, structure, and an integrated model that combines medical management, psychotherapy, and holistic wellness. The program emphasizes mind-body balance through yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling, helping clients reduce stress, improve focus, and strengthen emotional grounding. When clinically appropriate, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is incorporated to stabilize symptoms and support neurological function. Commonly prescribed medications for schizophrenia include antipsychotics such as risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), ziprasidone (Geodon), paliperidone (Invega), and clozapine (Clozaril) for treatment-resistant cases. Adjunct medications such as antidepressants may also be used to manage mood instability or insomnia. Bliss Recovery’s multidisciplinary team includes multiple licensed clinicians and therapists—including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers—who specialize in treating psychotic disorders. Together, they provide individualized therapy, psychoeducation, and medication management designed to promote long-term stability, self-awareness, and improved quality of life for each client.
