Hey there. I was recently diagnosed with Schizophrenia due to the onset of severe episodes. I’m currently on antipsychotics, blah blah. I’ve been showing symptoms of prodromal schizophrenia for about 7 years, but that’s old news.
Recently, coping with the disorder has been especially difficult. I had the great pleasure of growing up in the stoner subculture, so pot and alcohol are basically where it begins and ends for me. These are obviously only surface-level relief mechanisms. I was curious how you guys tend to deal with the onset of psychotic episodes or really severe debilitating symptoms.
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Cut out everything that causes even minor stress. Go to therapy. Work closely with your doctor to find the right meds and doses.
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Avoiding pot and alcohol is a very good idea. Pot makes you 80% more likely to have a psychotic episode. Alcohol interacts badly with meds and can damage your liver. Plus, whenever I tried to drink on my meds, I could never get the enjoyable drunk feeling. I always felt totally sober, then suddenly sick and tired. It was no fun anymore for me, so I stopped.
It helps to remember that things get better. When I was first diagnosed, my life was awful and I didn’t see any hope for the future. But once I found the right treatment combo for me, I was able to accomplish a whole lot. It is a long road, but it is worth the wait. I’m much happier with my life now than I was before I got sick.
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I can currently relate to the inability to get drunk. It’s been the same with weed as well, I haven’t been able to get a good high since I started. It’s interesting to hear that someone else has had a similar experience. I’ve been toying with the idea of quitting since the diagnosis, but haven’t been able to find the real desire to do so.
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Welcome home! 
Stay away from stress, pot and alcohol. Take your meds and keep in touch with your pdoc, the fact that you are able to write in a forum is a very good sign, many schizophrenics have severe cognitive symptoms and can barely talk.
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I always tell people this diagnosis isn’t a death sentence just try to surround yourself with things that make you happy
Also don’t do drugs or alcohol it’s hard to quit but it’s worth it
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Stay away from weed… I actually find tequila medicinal but I need more… that is my personal experience not advice.
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Stay away from energy drinks too. I need to learn that.
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