Webinar | Trauma, Addiction and Recovery: Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Addiction
In the landscape of modern recovery, the intersection of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) is not the exception—it is often the rule. Research indicates that up to 50% of individuals seeking treatment for addiction also meet the criteria for current PTSD. Despite this, many clinical settings still treat these conditions sequentially or in silos, often leading to poorer outcomes and higher relapse rates.
This webinar provides a comprehensive exploration of the biological and psychological links between trauma and addiction. We will dive into the DSM-5-TR diagnostic framework, examine the necessity of concurrent treatment models, and tackle the controversial debate surrounding the use of medical marijuana for trauma-exposed clients in recovery. Finally, we will review current evidence-based best practices that clinicians can implement during the critical early stages of recovery.
Learning Objectives
By attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define traumatic stressors and distinguish them from non-traumatic adverse life events using current diagnostic criteria.
- Describe Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including core symptom clusters and diagnostic features as outlined in the DSM-5-TR.
- Summarize the prevalence of PTSD across the general population and high-risk groups and identify key demographic and occupational/cost risk factors.
- Explain the etiology of PTSD, including biological, psychological, and social contributors, as well as factors influencing resilience and vulnerability.
- Identify common co-occurring conditions associated with PTSD, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and medical comorbidities.
- Compare evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including trauma-focused psychotherapies and pharmacological interventions, and identify indications for each.
- Locate and utilize professional resources for PTSD assessment, treatment, referral, and ongoing clinician education.
Presenters
SAUL SELBY | MA, LADC
Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge
R. JOHN SUTHERLAND | PHD, ABPP, LADC, MHA
Vice President of Addiction Services, Sagent Behavioral Health
