Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility
Abstract
Clinical lore abounds when discussing the issue of treating trauma-related symptoms in substance-dependent clients. Historically, clinicians have wondered whether they should wait until the client has gained substantial abstinence from abused substances before initiating trauma treatment or if trauma treatment should be conducted during substance use treatment. Furthermore, questions arise with regard to exactly how trauma-related symptoms should be addressed and how trauma treatment should be incorporated into the recovery process. In this article, the growing literature suggesting that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be treated concurrently with substance use disorders is reviewed. In addition, the unique challenges of implementing treatment for PTSD with substance-dependent clients seeking treatment in a residential treatment facility are discussed. Specifically, we provide concrete suggestions about how to utilize prolonged exposure, a very effective treatment for PTSD, with clients in a residential substance use treatment facility, including use of the internet to facilitate exposure therapy.
Recommended Citation
Henslee, A. M., & Coffey, S. F. (2010). Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41(1), pp. 34-40. American Psychological Association (APA).
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018235
Department(s)
Psychological Science
Keywords and Phrases
Comorbidity; Prolonged Exposure; PTSD; Residential Substance Use Treatment
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0735-7028
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2010 American Psychological Association (APA), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2010
