Promising medications identified for treating co-occurring PTSD and addiction

Why are medications needed to help treat co-occurring PTSD and SUD?

People experiencing co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) face worse outcomes than people experiencing either condition alone.

Integrated psychological treatment that addresses both problems at the same time is highly effective and safe, but can be difficult to access.

As a result, medication that can enhance treatment and support recovery pathways is critical.

How were the medications identified?

A new systematic review led by Megan Swannell and Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri from Eastern Health Clinical School and Turning Point pulls together all the contemporary evidence on medication interventions for co-occurring PTSD and addiction.

The review identified several medications that show promise in treating these co-occurring conditions.

Sertraline and naltrexone attracted the most interest, while a range of emerging and novel therapies also show promise for further research.

How could these medications help people and improve treatment outcomes?

Appropriate medications can reduce the level of impact of distressing symptoms that people experience in early treatment, such as nightmares, insomnia, craving or withdrawal. These approaches could support people to engage in and complete psychotherapy.

The outcomes from this and future research that identify new and effective treatment pathways will be pivotal in breaking down barriers to treatment and ensuring that people facing the distress of co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders receive life-changing treatment as soon as they need it.

• Read the paper: Pharmacological treatments for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders: A systematic review
• Learn more about trauma and addiction.
• Learn more about treatment approaches for PTSD and addiction.

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