I think that taking meds. is an important step. I would assume, if he's drinking, he is older... or at least a teen? I don't have much experience with teen. I believe that doing therapy alongside of meds. is important though. And, it's bound to get better!

Antoni

Hello Charmedone.. welcome

How old is your son?

Sounds like a difficult diagnosis. Do you know what type of Schizophrenia he has?? I believe that drinking (substance abuse) is a common problem for people with other major psychiatric disorders... technicaly referred to as dual diagnosis (substance abuse plus another clinical disorder). It is a way of self medicating and I always find it interesting that someone isn't willing to take prescribed drugs but will take another type of drug (ie alcohol) as a way to 'treat' the symptoms. I'm sure it's some issue of control.

Why do you feel he isn't on the correct medication? Or not on the correct one that he doesn't take in the first place??

I agree with Antoni that therapy is always a good thing to help improve functioning and maybe compliance with the medication thing and decreasing the self medicating via alcohol plus it could help you as well to have some additional support and resources to cope with having a son with this condition.

Hugs to you if you like and welcome.

Butterfly Warrior