Adverse events in an integrated trauma-focused intervention for women in community substance abuse treatment

Abstract

A substantial number of women who enter substance abuse treatment have a history of trauma and meet criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fear regarding the extent to which PTSD treatment can evoke negative consequences remains a research question. This study explored adverse events related to the implementation of an integrated treatment for women with trauma and substance use disorder (Seeking Safety) compared with a non-trauma focused intervention (Women's Health Education). Three hundred fifty-three women enrolled in community substance abuse treatment were randomized to one of the two study groups and monitored weekly for adverse events. There were no differences between the two intervention groups in the number of women reporting study-related adverse events (28 [9.6%] for the Seeking Safety group, 21 [7.2%] for the Women's Health Education group). Implementing PTSD treatment in substance abuse treatment programs appears to be safe, with minimal impact on intervention-related adverse HHS Public Access

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