PHARMACOLOGIC GUIDELINES FOR TX OF PTSD AND OPIOID USE DISORDER

Course overview

This course is based upon material published in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is available as an open access article. The co-occurrence of PTSD and co-occurring opioid use disorders was selected for guideline development because of the high rates of trauma in substance users and high rates of PTSD amongst those with substance use disorders. Some of the most problematic substances of abuse in PTSD are opioids. Untreated PTSD in opioid dependent individuals receiving opioid dependence therapies (methadone or buprenorphine maintenance, detoxification treatment, and drug-free residential treatment) has been associated with ongoing mental, physical, and occupational disability, despite improvements in substance abuse. Effective treatments for PTSD in individuals with opioid disorders include both psychosocial interventions (e.g., relapse prevention, contingency management, prolonged exposure, and teaching coping skills) and pharmacotherapies. The types and sequencing of these modalities will vary between individuals and be influenced by individual choice. This course on pharmacology guidelines for PTSD and opioid use disorders is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of substance abuse and PTSD treatment. The course material includes a brief literature review. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal.