Editorial

This third issue of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly focuses on the themes of trauma and abuse that often accompany the experience of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD). It also explores trends and issues relevant to adolescents and young adults with AUD and SUD.

Fokas and colleagues examined the mediating effect of negative cognitions emerging from a history of interpersonal trauma in individuals with AUD. Petra et al. used a Stress-Strain-Coping-Support model to determine the effect of intimate partner violence on coping and support of partners of people with AUD and SUD. Utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR), the group of Lucero Jones reported associations with past trauma and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation in response to alcohol cues with findings that showed a difference in PFC hyperactivity in response to environmental cues between individuals in recovery who have trauma history and those who do not.

The next group of articles feature specific considerations among adolescents and young adults with AUD and SUD. Carlsen-Landy et al. found an association between an early age of psychiatric diagnosis and comorbid substance use with the risk of criminality among young adults, signifying the need to consider these in assessment and treatment. Tiburcio and team evaluated new inclusion criteria to the third iteration of the Adolescent Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI-A3) that addressed emerging issues such as minimization of drug use or “faking-good” responses. De Wit and colleagues explored factors that contribute to alcohol intoxication and binge drinking among underage adolescents and found that while motivations differ, there is a common lack of knowledge and foresight. Ameral and team, found that parents of youth with SUD who attend a clinician led, evidenced- informed group have improved perceived ability to help their child with SUD.

A perspective article by Kopel discussed the advantages of narrative based medicine and what it can add to the evidenced-based medicine framework. Finally, Gallagher reviewed Faiver’s Correctional health care services: Mental health, infectious disease, dental care, addiction treatment. The book offers a behind-the-scenes view of health care services in a correctional setting and is highly recommended.