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ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER SYMPTOMS AND ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG PROBLEMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR
Shelly A Wiechelt1, Brenda A Miller, Nancy J Smyth
1School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Academic IV-B, Room 325, Baltimore MD 21250; ;
Practice (Birmingham, England)
|November 26, 2011
Summary
Women with current alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems report more post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Early assessment and trauma-informed care are recommended for individuals with AOD or PTSD concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Co-occurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent.
- Understanding the relationship between AOD use severity and PTSD symptoms is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between varying levels of AOD problems and PTSD symptom severity in women.
- To inform clinical practice regarding integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring AOD and PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 499 women from AOD treatment programs and the general community.
- Participants categorized into no-AOD, past-AOD, and current-AOD groups, with current-AOD further divided by substance misuse (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine).
- Comparison of PTSD symptom levels across AOD groups using validated measures.
Main Results:
- The current-AOD group exhibited significantly higher PTSD symptoms compared to no-AOD and past-AOD groups.
- Women with alcohol or cocaine misuse showed increased overall PTSD symptoms and symptom clusters.
- No significant differences in PTSD symptoms were found between alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana misuse groups or compared to each other.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with AOD problems require screening for PTSD symptoms and trauma-specific interventions.
- Trauma-informed care is beneficial for patients undergoing AOD treatment.
- Screening for AOD problems is advised for individuals presenting with PTSD symptoms.
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