Substance abusers who also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder - a combination that has traditionally been very difficult to treat because the stress disorder increases cravings in users - have UB researchers to thank for a recent breakthrough.
The study is the first to examine the impact of trauma memories on substance cravings. The research was conducted at the University of South Carolina Medical Center and studied subjects that were either cocaine or alcohol dependent, but all of whom suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from a physical or sexual attack.
"Many investigators believe, based largely on clinical observation of their patients, that it may be wiser to treat [a substance abuse disorder] and PTSD at the same time," Dr. Scott Coffey, assistant professor of psychiatry and co-investigator of the study, stated in an e-mail. Previously, treatment of the two diseases focused on treating the substance abuse before beginning the treatment of PTSD.
Individuals suffering from PTSD are inundated with negative emotion, something, Coffey believes, which was "adversely affecting patients' treatment outcome."
According to Coffey, "we hoped to provide laboratory-based evidence that such treatment is the best course of action in this patient population."
To test their predictions, the researchers used a laboratory principle known as cue reactivity, or "how people react to stimuli, people responses to real or imaginary cues," explained Dr. Larry Hawk, assistant professor of psychology, who was not involved in the study.
For this study the participants were subjected to a urine test and asked to rate their levels of craving. They were then placed in a sound-proof booth, where they were presented with four cues: a trauma image followed by a drug cue, a neutral image followed by a drug cue, a trauma image followed by a neutral cue and a neutral image followed by a neutral cue. For example a cocaine addict would be presented with the image of a crack pipe or bag of imitation crack.
The researchers collected data through observation of the verbal and physiological responses to the cues and by asking patients to fill out a questionnaire rating their cravings for drugs.
The results showed that cravings increased significantly when participants were presented with both trauma imagery and cues related to the substance of choice.
"For UB students this study should inform them of the high rates of substance abuse among individuals with trauma history," added Coffey. "Therefore, if a student is suffering from a very traumatic event they should closely monitor their substance use."
