i’m just curious on opinions, because i’ve always heard that drugs do not cause sz, just simply bring it out of you. maybe in a worse / faster way, or earlier than it would have happened without them. what do you guys think?
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Sz is caused by a mixture of factors. The british NHS says,“The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode.” And I would agree with them.
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"Drugs don’t directly cause schizophrenia, but studies have shown drug misuse increases the risk of developing schizophrenia or a similar illness.
Certain drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, may trigger symptoms of schizophrenia in people who are susceptible."
this was the answer i was looking for, thank you
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I wonder sometimes about this. I used to be heavily involved in the occult, drugs, and I hung out with some unsavory characters.
This with a combination of living in a very violent and crowded city, plus having genes from sz and other mental illnesses is what I think ultimately led me to having sz.
I still listen to a lot of dark music, but I kind of laugh at it now. I’ve been through so much in life, I am unsure if anything “dark” really phases me anymore.
Take care 
Nice post btw
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no not at all. Drugs like mushrooms always gave me an insight into my illness even before i was diagnosed. But i don’t mess with drugs anymore. Still smoke, though.
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I never did drugs, and I have schizophrenia.
It proves that schizophrenia can develop without use of drugs.
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Drugs can trigger Psychotic episodes including first time Psychotic Breaks.
Mescaline triggered my first Psychotic Break in college.
There are other triggers, drug use is one type.
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Man mescaline is some strong s***!!
Reserved for shaman that want to go to the “other side.” lol lol.
Thank God you’re ok now @Wave
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Yeah I was tripping for a couple of days!
Thanks @Chrishasheart
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I believe it!
I know a lot of Indians believe you should only do it with what’s called a ‘Medicine Man’ That way you understand what’s going on. Also they believe it should be only used by those with Native heritage.
Sorry I don’t mean to drag on the chat…I just found out recently I have a little Native heritage. All this sort of fascinates me.
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In my early through late teen years I used hallucinogenic drugs and marijuana very heavily. I didn’t get sick until my early 30’s. I don’t think they’re related for me.
That’s pretty cool that you have some Native Heritage.
Very interesting @Chrishasheart
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Thank you. 
I really appreciate that
From my ancestors and the Ultimate Creator, we send our blessings.
Take care.
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I never did drugs. I never abused alcohol or tobacco. I was always responsible with my diet and my physical condition/shape. Yet here I am, in a living hell with one of the worst possible kinds of schizophrenia.
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My doctor has actually told me that drugs caused my psychotic breaks. I’m almost positive I wouldn’t have developed this illness if it weren’t for drugs
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I’ve had delusions since I was a kid, so not necessarily do I think I wouldn’t have SZ if I hadn’t tried LSD and weed. I think it might’ve delayed my onset a little, but who knows?
My grandma informed me that my 1.5 years of drug use caused my “brain problems” but I don’t think that’s possible.
I was ritualistically cutting myself to try and silence my voices while simultaneously having a religious breakdown because I believed I was the spawn of Satan who needed to hide when the dogs howled and light gasoline fires on the garage floor when I was 12. Nobody caught me, so it didn’t happen. I’d never taken a drug.
I’ve never tried drugs but I have schizophrenia…
I had symptoms waaaay before I tried any drugs.
My sister also has schizophrenia and she never used drugs.
Maybe a little cannabis as a very late teenager, just enough to know she didn’t like it.
So, no.
You can give yourself the schiz if you use drugs very carelessly but I think most people on this site had a genetic predisposition to develop it.
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