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June 16, 2023

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder as a Risk Factor for Substance Use Disorder: Review and Recommendations for Intervention

Individuals with a co-occurrence of substance use disorder (SUD) and PTSD report increased long-term functional impairment and adverse health outcomes when compared to those with only one diagnosis, and SUD recovery rates are much lower in those with PTSD than in those without. As a result, it is crucial to consider protocols for systematic screening and monitoring of PTSD symptoms throughout SUD treatment. Implementing regular screenings will provide an opportunity for early intervention strategies, such as concurrent treatment of PTSD and SUD using prolonged exposure, integrated cognitive behavioral treatment (ICBT), or pharmacological intervention.

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