•Drugs can make the symptoms of mental illness worse. Also, some scientists think that certain drugs can make it more likely for you to develop a mental illness. For example, recent research has shown that using cannabis may be linked to developing schizophrenia.
•If you have a mental illness and use drugs, doctors sometimes call this ‘dual diagnosis’.
•There are many reasons why you might use drugs. Some people use them to try and deal with the symptoms of their illness. This is called ‘self-medication’. Other people take them at social events or to feel calm.
•Drugs can make your mental illness worse in the long term. It can mean that your illness is harder for doctors to treat and you may find it hard to work or find stable housing. However, you can get help if you have dual diagnosis.
•Mental health and drug services should work together to give you the support you need.