The Link Between Substance Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Women

Research has documented a high incidence of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Women substance abusers, in particular, show high rates of this dual diagnosis (30% to 59%), most commonly deriving from a history of repetitive childhood physical and/or sexual assault. Rates for men are two to three times lower and typically stem from combat or crime trauma. Patients with both disorders are characterized by high severity on a multitude of psychological and treatment variables and use of the most severe drugs (cocaine and opioids). Treatment research on women is limited but suggests the possibility of retaining patients and achieving positive outcomes.