Integrated Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse in Young Adults

Treating Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Abuse in High-Risk Transition Age Youth

The purpose of the study is to determine the safety and efficacy of an integrated treatment for substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder for young adults. The integrated treatment includes two established psychosocial treatments for substance abuse (Contingency Management) and posttraumatic stress disorder (Prolonged Exposure therapy).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-25 years old
• meets diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder
• meets diagnostic criteria for full or subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder
• currently able to provide a urine drug screen that is negative for cocaine, prescription opiates, and non-prescribed methadone or provided this type of screen in the past 60 days
• speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant cognitive impairment or serious uncontrolled psychiatric problem (other than posttraumatic stress disorder)
• in recovery from pathological gambling or current pathological gambling diagnosis
• in a current domestic violence relationship