How to manage CUD its effects in people with schizophrenia?

Access to psychiatric care is essential to diagnose and address both conditions effectively. Psychological counseling can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies and reduce reliance on cannabis.

For those with severe CUD, quitting cannabis entirely is often the best approach. However, a gradual reduction in use – rather than abrupt cessation – can help ease withdrawal symptoms, improve treatment adherence, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Although cannabis intoxication typically resolves without medical intervention, providing a calm environment and symptom-specific treatments – such as medication for rapid heartbeat or anxiety – can enhance patient comfort.

How to reduce cannabis use and improve medication adherence in schizophrenia?

Cannabis use is a major factor that can lead to medication nonadherence in psychiatric patients.

For those with both schizophrenia and CUD, the key management strategies include:

• Encouraging patients to gradually reduce cannabis use by switching to lower-potency strains and decreasing frequency.
• Prescribing antipsychotics with partial dopaminergic agonist mechanisms, rather than first-generation antipsychotics, as they may improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia and CUD.
• A recent observational study found that newer antipsychotic medications not only helped reduce schizophrenia symptoms but also improved self-reported struggles with cannabis use.
• Enhancing medication adherence through digital reminders and carefully balancing medications to ensure they are effective and well-tolerated.

By combining medical support with behavioral strategies, patients with schizophrenia and CUD can experience better symptom management and improved quality of life.