Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse Among Youth Who Are Homeless: Treatment Issues and Implications

Abstract

The research on comorbidity indicates that posttraumatic stress disorder and substance abuse co-occur at high rates. As co-occurrence portends a more severe course than would occur with either disorder alone, the added challenges of homelessness and the life stage of youthintoyoungadulthoodrequiredevelopingtreatmentstrategiesthataddresstheneeds of this unique population of youth who are homeless. Although the literature is limited concerning comorbidity among homeless youth, the purpose of this article is to review empiricalresearchconcerningtreatmentissuesandoptionsappropriateforthispopulation. Two treatment modalities are identified that may address issues of homelessness while providingtreatmentthatistailoredtothespecificneedsanduniqueconcernsrelatedtothe context of the street. These modalities include strengths-based approaches and cognitivebehavioral methods. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 6:206–217 (2006)]