New Publication

First-Episode Psychosis and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders

The transition to adulthood can be especially challenging for young people who experience an emerging serious mental illness such as first-episode psychosis and who have a co-occurring substance use condition. When first-episode psychosis and substance misuse occur together, outcomes tend to be poorer in both the short and long term. For young people experiencing first-episode psychosis, reducing or stopping substance misuse yields significant improvements in psychotic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and the young person’s ability to lead a meaningful life. SAMHSA’s new guide, First-Episode Psychosis and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders, supports health care providers, systems, and communities to address first-episode psychosis and co-occurring substance use disorders. It describes relevant research, examines emerging and best practices, identifies knowledge gaps and implementation challenges, and offers resources.