Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility

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.