Evaluation of Self-Compassion Focused Group Treatment for Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use in Veterans with Posttraumatic Guilt: A Case Study

ABSTRACT

Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) following combat exposure affects a significant proportion of military veterans. Guilt and shame are common to PTSD-SUD, suggesting a possible role as a mechanism underlying both disorders. Cultivating self-compassion (SC) among veterans is a logical approach to treating guilt and shame. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) present scientific theories of SC in the veteran population with emphasis on PTSD, substance use, and guilt and shame; (b) present a case study that highlights how self-compassion-focused treatment (SCFT) can be utilized in a group format with veterans with PTSD-SUD and posttraumatic guilt; and (c) discuss implications of our findings for refining SCFT within a group intervention setting among this population and for future research.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Providence VAMC Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D); COIN Seed Grant Program (PI: Eaton; CIN 13-419). The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the United States government or the Department of Veterans Affairs.