MONTREAL, Feb 9, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Canadian researcher says narcotics
have a much greater effect on the brains of the mentally ill.
Dr. Stephane Potvin of the University of Montreal says the deterioration of the
cerebral structures caused by addictive drug consumption may be irreversible in
the mentally ill who in 33 percent to 50 percent of cases suffer from drug
addiction and who -- particularly those suffering from schizophrenia -- are more
sensitive to the effects of addictive drugs.
"They become dependent more quickly and they tend to abuse drugs more easily. It
is evident that drug use can worsen the symptoms of mental disease," Potvin says
in a statement. "The odds that a mental disorder manifests itself in an
individual can increase if he or she consumes drugs."
Potvin suggests integrated treatment for those suffering mental disease and drug
abuse. Presently people suffering from mental illness and those with drug
dependence often receive different types of treatment since resources aren't the
same for both. Detoxification centers have a very different approach than
centers devoted to those suffering from mental disease, Potvin says.
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