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“Transcend” Initial Outcomes from a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder/Substance Abuse Treatment Program

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Journal of Traumatic Stress

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a comprehensive treatment program for combat veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse (SA). Outcome data are presented on 46 male patients who completed treatment between 1996 and 1998. The treatment approach, defined by a detailed manual, integrates elements of cognitive–behavioral skills training, constructivist theory approaches, SA relapse prevention strategies, and peer social support into a group-focused program. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) were used to assess treatment effectiveness at discharge and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Significant symptom changes revealed on CAPS and ASI scores at discharge and follow-up are analyzed. Discussion focuses on hypotheses regarding treatment effectiveness, study limitations, and suggestions for further research.

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Donovan, B., Padin-Rivera, E. & Kowaliw, S. “Transcend” Initial Outcomes from a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder/Substance Abuse Treatment Program. J Trauma Stress 14, 757–772 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013094206154

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