Does drug addiction cause schizophrenia?
Patient: If a person who seemed to be normal in their youth but then was a drug addict who used crack for 25 years be a victim of paranoid schizophrenia? I have a room mate who thinks he is autistic, but there is no medical history on him due to him being adopted and nothing known about his biological parents. He has paranoia like I have never seen in anybody, and although I do not see him as becoming violent towards me, I am still concerned. I mean 25 years of constantly using crack seems like it can trigger schizophrenia. Can you help? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  People who abuse drugs sometimes develop symptoms that closely resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia, and in some cases, drug abuse may actually set the stage for the onset of the disorder. In people who already have schizophrenia, drug use/abuse can worsen the illness’s effects in several different ways. Talk to psychiatrist for a clear picture.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.   Regards.