Co-occurring Substance Use and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders: Reasons for Hope

Abstract

Co-occurring substance use and posttraumatic stress disorders are prevalent and challenging for systems, treatment research, clinicians, and most importantly, those who have these disorders. Until recently, care for persons with this comorbidity was fragmented and tended to target only one or the other condition. Over the past decade, several integrated psychosocial treatments have been studied, and guidelines for pharmacotherapies developed. Research, clinical practice, and systemic initiatives are beginning to provide more hope and treatment options.

Keywords:

• substance use disorders
• PTSD
• integrated treatment
• co-occurring disorders