Abstract
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is both a risk factor for substance use and an adverse outcome of substance use disorders. Identifying and managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with addiction requires attention. Aims: To examine the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and past-month prevalence of PSTD in patients treated for opioid use disorder, and explore the association between trauma, PTSD and treatment outcomes. Method: Participants (n = 674) receiving methadone treatment in 20 community clinics across Ontario, Canada, were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to identify self-reported traumatic events and PTSD. Drug use was measured for 12 months by urine drug screens. Results: Eleven per cent of participants met past-month criteria for PTSD (n = 72), and 48% reported history of traumatic events with no current PTSD (n = 323). Participants with PTSD were more likely to be female (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.76) and less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) than those with no trauma history. Antidepressants (39 v. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36 v. 18%) were differentially prescribed to patients with and without PTSD. Length of time in treatment and opioid use were not associated with trauma; however, suicidal ideation was more common in PTSD (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01). Conclusions: Trauma and PTSD are prevalent among patients with opioid use disorder, and consideration of trauma symptoms and associated characteristics is warranted. Patients with and without comorbid PTSD differ clinically and psychosocially, highlighting the relevance of integrating addiction and mental health services for this population.
Abstract
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is both a risk factor for substance use and an adverse outcome of substance use disorders. Identifying and managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with addiction requires attention. Aims: To examine the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and past-month prevalence of PSTD in patients treated for opioid use disorder, and explore the association between trauma, PTSD and treatment outcomes. Method: Participants (n = 674) receiving methadone treatment in 20 community clinics across Ontario, Canada, were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to identify self-reported traumatic events and PTSD. Drug use was measured for 12 months by urine drug screens. Results: Eleven per cent of participants met past-month criteria for PTSD (n = 72), and 48% reported history of traumatic events with no current PTSD (n = 323). Participants with PTSD were more likely to be female (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.76) and less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) than those with no trauma history. Antidepressants (39 v. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36 v. 18%) were differentially prescribed to patients with and without PTSD. Length of time in treatment and opioid use were not associated with trauma; however, suicidal ideation was more common in PTSD (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01). Conclusions: Trauma and PTSD are prevalent among patients with opioid use disorder, and consideration of trauma symptoms and associated characteristics is warranted. Patients with and without comorbid PTSD differ clinically and psychosocially, highlighting the relevance of integrating addiction and mental health services for this population.
Background
Traumatic experiences are known to contribute to the development of substance use disorders. Conversely, substance use disorders can also lead to traumatic outcomes. Therefore, it is important to identify and address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
Aims
This study aimed to determine how common traumatic experiences were over a lifetime and how prevalent PTSD was in the past month among patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. The research also sought to investigate the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and the success of their treatment.
Method
A total of 674 participants, all receiving methadone treatment at 20 community clinics in Ontario, Canada, were included in the study. These individuals completed the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to report their personal history of traumatic events and symptoms of PTSD. Objective measurement of drug use was conducted over a 12-month period using urine drug screens.
Results
The findings revealed that 11% of participants (n = 72) met the criteria for PTSD within the past month. Additionally, 48% of participants (n = 323) reported a history of traumatic events but did not currently meet criteria for PTSD. Individuals diagnosed with PTSD exhibited a higher likelihood of being female (odds ratio [OR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–3.76). They were also less likely to be employed (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) compared to those without a trauma history. A notable difference was observed in medication prescriptions, with antidepressants being used by 39% of PTSD patients versus 24% of non-PTSD patients, and benzodiazepines by 36% versus 18%, respectively. There was no significant association between a history of trauma and either the duration of treatment or the level of opioid use. However, suicidal thoughts were found to be more common among participants with PTSD (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01).
Conclusions
The study concludes that both traumatic experiences and PTSD are common among individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. This necessitates a thorough assessment of trauma symptoms and related factors in this patient population. Significant clinical and psychosocial differences exist between patients with and without co-occurring PTSD, underscoring the critical need to integrate addiction treatment with mental health services for these individuals.
Abstract
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is both a risk factor for substance use and an adverse outcome of substance use disorders. Identifying and managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with addiction requires attention. Aims: To examine the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and past-month prevalence of PSTD in patients treated for opioid use disorder, and explore the association between trauma, PTSD and treatment outcomes. Method: Participants (n = 674) receiving methadone treatment in 20 community clinics across Ontario, Canada, were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to identify self-reported traumatic events and PTSD. Drug use was measured for 12 months by urine drug screens. Results: Eleven per cent of participants met past-month criteria for PTSD (n = 72), and 48% reported history of traumatic events with no current PTSD (n = 323). Participants with PTSD were more likely to be female (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.76) and less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) than those with no trauma history. Antidepressants (39 v. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36 v. 18%) were differentially prescribed to patients with and without PTSD. Length of time in treatment and opioid use were not associated with trauma; however, suicidal ideation was more common in PTSD (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01). Conclusions: Trauma and PTSD are prevalent among patients with opioid use disorder, and consideration of trauma symptoms and associated characteristics is warranted. Patients with and without comorbid PTSD differ clinically and psychosocially, highlighting the relevance of integrating addiction and mental health services for this population.
Background
Traumatic experiences can both increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder and be a negative consequence of having one. Therefore, it is important to identify and address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
Aims
The study aimed to determine how often patients treated for opioid use disorder had experienced traumatic events throughout their lives and how many currently experienced PTSD. It also sought to investigate the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and the success of their treatment.
Method
Researchers included 674 participants who were receiving methadone treatment at 20 community clinics in Ontario, Canada. These individuals completed the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, which helped identify any self-reported traumatic events and diagnose PTSD. Participants' drug use was monitored for 12 months using urine drug screens.
Results
The findings indicated that 11% (72 individuals) of participants met the criteria for PTSD in the past month. Another 48% (323 individuals) reported a history of traumatic events but did not currently have PTSD. Individuals with PTSD were more often female (odds ratio 2.13), less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31), and less likely to be married (odds ratio 0.51) compared to those with no history of trauma. Antidepressants were prescribed to 39% of patients with PTSD versus 24% without PTSD, and benzodiazepines were prescribed to 36% with PTSD versus 18% without PTSD. The duration of treatment and continued opioid use did not show a link with a history of trauma. However, suicidal thoughts were more common among those with PTSD (odds ratio 2.29).
Conclusions
The study concludes that trauma and PTSD are common among individuals with opioid use disorder. It suggests that healthcare providers should consider trauma symptoms and related characteristics when treating these patients. Since patients with and without co-occurring PTSD show differences in their clinical profiles and social situations, there is a clear need to combine addiction and mental health services for this group.
Abstract
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is both a risk factor for substance use and an adverse outcome of substance use disorders. Identifying and managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with addiction requires attention. Aims: To examine the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and past-month prevalence of PSTD in patients treated for opioid use disorder, and explore the association between trauma, PTSD and treatment outcomes. Method: Participants (n = 674) receiving methadone treatment in 20 community clinics across Ontario, Canada, were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to identify self-reported traumatic events and PTSD. Drug use was measured for 12 months by urine drug screens. Results: Eleven per cent of participants met past-month criteria for PTSD (n = 72), and 48% reported history of traumatic events with no current PTSD (n = 323). Participants with PTSD were more likely to be female (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.76) and less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) than those with no trauma history. Antidepressants (39 v. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36 v. 18%) were differentially prescribed to patients with and without PTSD. Length of time in treatment and opioid use were not associated with trauma; however, suicidal ideation was more common in PTSD (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01). Conclusions: Trauma and PTSD are prevalent among patients with opioid use disorder, and consideration of trauma symptoms and associated characteristics is warranted. Patients with and without comorbid PTSD differ clinically and psychosocially, highlighting the relevance of integrating addiction and mental health services for this population.
Background
Traumatic experiences can increase the risk of developing substance use issues. These experiences can also be a difficult result for individuals already struggling with substance use disorders. Therefore, it is important to identify and address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who are also dealing with addiction.
Aims
The study aimed to determine how common traumatic events were over a lifetime, and how common PTSD was in the past month, among patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. It also looked at how trauma, PTSD, and treatment results were connected.
Method
Researchers studied 674 patients who were receiving methadone treatment at 20 clinics in Ontario, Canada. These patients completed an interview to report any traumatic events they had experienced and to identify if they had PTSD. The study tracked drug use for 12 months using urine drug tests.
Results
The study found that 11% (72 patients) met the criteria for PTSD in the past month. Another 48% (323 patients) reported a history of traumatic events but did not currently have PTSD. Patients with PTSD were more often female, and less often employed or married, compared to those who had not experienced trauma. Additionally, patients with PTSD were prescribed antidepressants (39% vs. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36% vs. 18%) more frequently. The amount of time a patient spent in treatment and their opioid use did not seem connected to their history of trauma. However, thoughts of suicide were more common among those with PTSD.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that trauma and PTSD are common among patients with opioid use disorder. It is therefore important to consider symptoms of trauma and related personal characteristics when treating these patients. Since patients with and without PTSD along with addiction have different medical and social needs, it is clear that addiction and mental health services should be combined for this group.
Abstract
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is both a risk factor for substance use and an adverse outcome of substance use disorders. Identifying and managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with addiction requires attention. Aims: To examine the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and past-month prevalence of PSTD in patients treated for opioid use disorder, and explore the association between trauma, PTSD and treatment outcomes. Method: Participants (n = 674) receiving methadone treatment in 20 community clinics across Ontario, Canada, were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to identify self-reported traumatic events and PTSD. Drug use was measured for 12 months by urine drug screens. Results: Eleven per cent of participants met past-month criteria for PTSD (n = 72), and 48% reported history of traumatic events with no current PTSD (n = 323). Participants with PTSD were more likely to be female (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.76) and less likely to be employed (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) or married (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.90) than those with no trauma history. Antidepressants (39 v. 24%) and benzodiazepines (36 v. 18%) were differentially prescribed to patients with and without PTSD. Length of time in treatment and opioid use were not associated with trauma; however, suicidal ideation was more common in PTSD (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.01). Conclusions: Trauma and PTSD are prevalent among patients with opioid use disorder, and consideration of trauma symptoms and associated characteristics is warranted. Patients with and without comorbid PTSD differ clinically and psychosocially, highlighting the relevance of integrating addiction and mental health services for this population.
Background
Experiencing bad things that happen can make someone start using drugs or alcohol. These bad experiences can also be a problem caused by drug or alcohol use. Finding and helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is important for people who struggle with addiction.
Aims
This study wanted to see how many people treated for opioid problems had bad things happen to them in their lives. It also looked at how many of them had PTSD in the last month. The study also wanted to see if bad experiences and PTSD were linked to how well treatment worked.
Method
Six hundred seventy-four people were getting medicine (methadone) to help with their opioid problem at 20 clinics in Ontario, Canada. They were asked questions from a special interview to find out if they had bad things happen to them and if they had PTSD. Their drug use was checked for a year using urine tests.
Results
About 1 in 10 people (11%) had PTSD in the last month. Almost half (48%) had bad things happen to them in the past but did not have PTSD now. People with PTSD were more often women. They were also less likely to have a job or be married than those who had not experienced trauma. Doctors gave antidepressants and other calming medicines (benzodiazepines) more often to patients who had PTSD. How long people stayed in treatment and how much opioid they used did not seem linked to their past bad experiences. But thinking about hurting oneself was more common for those with PTSD.
Conclusions
Many people getting help for opioid problems have had bad things happen to them and have PTSD. It is important to think about their trauma symptoms and other related issues. Patients who also have PTSD are different in their health and life situations than those without PTSD. This shows why addiction help and mental health help should work together for these people.