Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorders: A Biological and Clinical Summary

Abstract

The comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) has been established in a number of studies, however treatment programs have historically focused on one disorder without considering the other. In addition to the growing clinical awareness of the comorbidity, there has been increased interest in its biological underpinnings and treatment options. This paper seeks to briefly review the biological processes involved, the interplay between symptoms, and examine two of the recent attempts at integrative treatment.