Motives for Substance Use Among Male Psychiatric Inpatients with Psychotic Disorders

Background: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is more prevalent among individuals with psychotic disorders than in the general population and is associated with poorer functioning, treatment adherence, and outcomes. Understanding motives for substance use in this group is essential for targeted interventions. Methods: Motives were assessed using the 26-item Reasons for Substance Use Questionnaire in 118 male patients admitted for a psychotic episode between October 2024 and September 2025. Results: In total, 20.3% of the participants were first-admission patients. Enhancement motives were most frequently endorsed, followed by coping and social motives; conformity and relief were least endorsed. In exploratory unadjusted analyses, patients with multiple hospital admissions reported greater relief related motives, including alleviating positive symptoms and medication side effects. Motives varied by primary substance used. Conclusions: Mood enhancement and coping were predominant motives; relief motives appeared to be stronger in patients with multiple admissions. Further research is needed to improve treatment strategies.