Abstract

The relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance
Use Disorders (SUD) is frequently observed as a cycle of maladaptive coping.
While substance abuse can provide temporary relief, prolonged use exacerbates
trauma-related symptoms in the long-term. Comorbidity increases risk for
problematic outcomes and thus, there has been increasing emphasis to identify
integrated treatment approaches that serve to reduce relapse rates and improve
overall well-being. The current commentary proposes that combining Seeking
Safety, evidence based treatment, with 12 Step recovery can serve to address the
needs of a difficult to treat population