Alcohol Use Disorder and Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

People with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have high rates of co-occurring substance use disorder, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). For individuals who have schizophrenia, AUD is associated with depression, suicidality, medication nonadherence, chronic physical problems, homelessness, aggression, violence, incarceration, and high rates of hospitalization. This article provides an updated review of the epidemiology, underlying neurobiology, and treatment of people with co-occurring AUD and schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.