Trauma exposure and the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur with opioid use disorder (OUD). The interaction between these elements yields complex conditions in at-risk populations, featuring underserved treatment needs and challenges, like for women with past-year PTSD, who can face up to a twofold increased risk for opioid use without medical prescription and an OUD diagnosis compared to men. Additionally, post-traumatic stress symptoms among individuals with OUD negatively influence treatment adherence because their presence can increase the risk of interrupting methadone maintenance treatment.

Emerging research shows promise for the use of trauma-focused treatments in individuals with co-occurring OUD/PTSD. Nevertheless, limited coverage and availability persist due to scarce resources and the entangled circumstances that arise from trauma and other factors that can be hard to address and manage for therapists and treatment providers. 

Tanya Saraiya, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, has investigated this field and will be the speaker at the next C-DIAS PSMG virtual grand round, scheduled for this Tuesday, April 22, from 13:00 to 14:30 ET (Washington, DC time). 

As usual, you can join the ZOOM meeting by clicking this link on the indicated date and time.

You can read one of the latest publications of Tanya Saraiya, PhD, on ISSUP's network about treatment: https://www.issup.net/node/30913