This study examined how illicit drugs were accessed, reasons for drug use,
prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, psychiatric symptomato
logy, level of functioning, and the relationship of these factors to substa
nce use in 25 schizophrenia outpatients. To identify unique substance-use b
ehaviors or correlates, this information was compared to 25 substance-abusi
ng outpatients with major affective disorders, and 30 people with schizophr
enia alone. Patients largely financed their drug habits with money given by
immediate family members, and reported using drugs primarily for social re
asons. While all three groups reported high levels of physical, sexual, and
emotional abuse, a relationship between emotional abuse and substance use
was observed only for people with schizophrenia. There were no differences
between the two schizophrenia groups in psychiatric symptoms or level of fu
nctioning. The treatment implications of these findings are discussed. (C)
2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.