Development of Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorders

Berenz, Erin C.; McNett, Sage; Paltell, Katherine C.

doi:10.4324/9781315442648-2

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…Mental health problems are a common co-occurring condition in substance using populations (1), with growing research acknowledging the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) (2–6). This resulted in increased attention for integrated treatment to reduce both SUDs and PTSD symptoms (7–11).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mothering, Substance Use Disorders and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission: An Attachment-Based Perspective

2019

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Background: A growing body of research underlines that interpersonal trauma in childhood leads to heightened susceptibility for substance use disorders (SUDs) in later life. Little research has been conducted on parenting experiences of mothers in recovery from substance use, taking into account their own upbringing as a child and the potential aftermath of interpersonal childhood trauma. Methods: Through in-depth qualitative interviews, 23 mothers with SUDs reflected on parenting experiences and parent-child bonding, related to both their children and parents. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed adopting thematic analysis. Results: Throughout the narratives, consequences of trauma on mothers’ sense of self and its subsequent impact on parenting arose as salient themes. Five latent mechanisms of intergenerational trauma transmission were identified: 1) early interpersonal childhood trauma experiences in mothers; 2) trauma as a precursor of substance use; 3) substance use as a (self-fooling) enabler of parental functioning; 4) continued substance use impacting parental functioning; and 5) dysfunctional parental functioning and its relational impact upon offspring. Discussion: Findings suggest disruptive attachment can increase the vulnerability for SUDs on the one hand, but can be an expression of underlying trauma on the other, hence serving as a covert mechanism by which trauma can be transmitted across generations. Results indicate the need for preventive, attachment-based and trauma-sensitive interventions targeted at disruptive intergenerational patterns.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mothering, Substance Use Disorders and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission: An Attachment-Based Perspective

2019

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“…Mindfulness practice has consistently demonstrated increases in emotional well-being [ 3 ], which may also reduce PTSD-related affect and cognitions. Given that PTSD symptoms are associated with substance use [ 37 ], increasing tolerance to aversive experiences and optimizing one’s repertoire of skills to mitigate symptoms may attenuate the relationship between PTSD and SUD.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Formal mindfulness practice predicts reductions in PTSD symptom severity following a mindfulness-based intervention for women with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

Somohano

Kaplan

Newman

et al. 2022

Addict Sci Clin Pract

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Background Women with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) experience systemic barriers that place them in danger of poorer treatment outcomes. Some mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD and SUD symptoms. Mindfulness practice is a core component of MBIs, thought to elicit and maintain positive behavioral change; however, no research to our knowledge has assessed the role of mindfulness practice on sustained treatment gains among women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Such research is necessary to better inform MBIs for dually diagnosed women. Methods This secondary analysis assessed whether post-intervention formal and informal mindfulness practice predicted reductions in PTSD symptoms and substance craving 6 months following an 8-session mindfulness-based relapse prevention intervention for women diagnosed with co-occurring PTSD-SUD ( N = 23). Data were derived from a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a trauma-integrated mindfulness-based relapse prevention program for women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Results Greater duration of formal mindfulness practice (i.e., minutes per practice) predicted reduced total PTSD symptoms ( = − .670, p < .00), trauma-related avoidance ( = − .564, p = .01), arousal and reactivity ( = − .530, p = .02), and negative cognitions and mood ( = − .780, p < .01) six months following treatment. Informal practice did not predict any outcomes. Conclusions This research highlights the potential role of formal mindfulness practice in sustaining reductions in PTSD symptoms over time among women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Further study of strategies to promote ongoing formal mindfulness practice in this population following a MBI are warranted. Trial registration The parent trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03505749).

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“…Similarly, college students with PTSD reported motivation to drink alcohol to decrease PTSD symptoms ( Hruska and Delahanty, 2012 , Simpson et al, 2012 ), with coping-oriented alcohol use leading to increased alcohol consumption over time ( Giaconia et al, 2000 , Read et al, 2014 ). However, it is important to note that associations between PTSD and alcohol use and problems are influenced by a number of factors ( Berenz et al, 2019 ), and individuals with PTSD symptoms drink alcohol for many reasons ( Smith & Cottler, 2018 ). For example, college students with PTSD are more likely to drink for motives other than coping, such as to have a good time with friends, or to enhance positive mood than those without PTSD symptoms ( Radomski and Read, 2016 , Simpson et al, 2014 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%