A story of recovery from the dangers of drug use and psychosis
Authors: Boait Ed 
Published: September 2021

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

The effectiveness of Clozapine for some people suffering from schizophrenia.

The use of street drugs as self‐medication and a coping mechanism.

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

The difficulties of treating someone with addiction problems and psychotic symptoms. Allowing them time in hospital only once they are off the drugs. Once I was in the recovery ward, I knew I wouldn't go back to drug use.

Describing my own experience of drug use and suicidal thinking as an expression of frustration at not being able to make the changes I needed and wanted. To then finally make that change and to embrace a better life, when things started to move forward I made a commitment to do all I could to stay well. I knew what I wanted.

What are the implications for practice?

This story describes a lack of action from the mental health services. The psychosis was considered to be caused by the drug use and nothing could be done until the drug use had stopped. I believe more could have been done to provide a safe space for rehabilitation and eventually recovery.

The recovery ward that I was admitted to give me 16 months to turn my life around, services like these can be a lifesaver. Hospitals can be so quick to discharge patients that they end up coming straight back, and I was given the time and support I needed to make big changes.

Introduction

This is a story of a very difficult time in my life. A time when I got stuck into heavy drug use and a time when I was begging the mental health services for help. The suicide attempts show that I was unable to see a life for myself, but it includes the recovery, the commitment I made to myself to live a good life. I think it shows both the desperation of suffering with schizophrenia but also some optimism that people who suffer can find a meaningful occupation.

Aim

The aim is to offer hope, but also highlight some of the fears. There is more to be done to offer help and hope to those struggling with mental health and drug problems. Maybe with the correct care, people can be treated for both addiction and psychosis. I had to quit the drugs myself and only when I tried to kill myself did I receive any help. The drugs made me feel good about myself and the people around me, but living without them is a much better life.

Narrative

I wanted to give the first person account of being drawn into drug use and then wanting to quit. Many people feel a desire to quit but never get the will power or the help. I realised the drugs weren’t giving me the high I wanted and decided to remove myself from the group and leave town. More people can be helped to believe in a life without drugs.

Discussion and implications for practice

Addiction is something that may never have a solution, but for many people with mental health problems it offers a way out of suffering. I actually felt much better about myself and life with the use of drugs. It gave me some control over my psychosis and lifted my mood, but in my story I had to realise myself I could do better without. More can be done to support people away from drugs and into work, I replaced the drugs with work and it has been a huge achievement. People need to know there is better for them.