Comparison of Individuals With and Without theRisk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Terms ofSubstance Use Features and Psychological ProblemsAccording to Their Substance Preferences

Abstract

Objective: There are multiple studies that show that exposure to a traumatic life event is a significantfactor in the development and continuation of addiction. When post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)is added to an alcohol-substance use disorder, the course of treatment is negatively affected. Thisstudy aimed to compare people with and without the risk of PTSD in terms of substance use featuresand psychological problems on the basis of their substance preferences.Methods: The study was conducted with 614 individuals hospitalized in an addiction recovery centerbecause of an alcohol and substance use disorder. Development of the addiction profile index (BAPI)clinical form was used to measure the addiction features and their severity, psychological condition,and some personal characteristics of the patients. The Kocaeli short screening scale for psychologicaltrauma was used to determine traumatic life events and evaluate traumatic stress symptoms.Results: PTSD frequency of the participants with an alcohol-substance use disorder was 29.8% (n= 162). Considering the frequency of PTSD risk, 29.2% (n = 98) of the participants with opioid usedisorder, 33.3% (n = 13) of the participants with cannabis use disorder, and 35.7% (n = 20) of the par ticipants with alcohol use disorder had a risk of PTSD. Participants with PTSD symptoms had higherscores in substance use features, diagnosis, effect of substance use on life, cravings, greater addictionseverity, difficulty in anger control, more excitement seeking behaviors, safe behavior deficiency, de pression, and anxiety.Conclusion: Substance use features and psychological problems varied in individuals with and with out the risk of PTSD. Configuration of the treatment plan considering this differentiation is significantin terms of the course of the treatment.