Motivations that maintain substance use among individuals with psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia Bulletin 2002

This study quantitatively examined reasons for sub-stance use among individuals with psychotic disorders and explored the relationship of these reasons to sub-stance use problems and dependence. Sixty-nine peo-ple with psychotic disorders were interviewed using a battery of questionnaires called the Substance Use Scale for Psychosis (SUSP). Symptoms and medication side effects were also measured. A factor analysis revealed similar motives for substance use (mostly alcohol and cannabis use) as in the general population: "enhancement, " "social motives, " "coping with unpleasant affect, " and "conformity and acceptance." A fifth factor, "relief of positive symptoms and side effects, " demonstrated limited reliability. "Coping" and "enhancement " motives were found to lead to sub-stance use problems and dependence. Mediator analy-sis indicated that worse symptoms lead to stronger motives for substance use, which in turn lead to stronger psychological dependence on that substance. These findings have the potential to inform effective treatment for substance use in psychosis