While substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to
frequently co-occur, there have been few published clinical trials evaluat
ing integrated approaches for this form of dual diagnosis. This article des
cribes Substance Dependence PTSD Therapy (SDPT), the first manualized indiv
idual treatment to undergo a controlled clinical trial. SDPT is a 5-month,
twice-weekly, two-phase individual cognitive-behavioral treatment utilizing
(a) relapse prevention and coping skills training for substance abuse; and
(b) psychoeducation, stress inoculation training, and in vivo exposure for
PTSD. SDPT is also unique in having been designed for use in mixed-gendere
d civilians with varied sources of trauma. Design considerations and the fo
rmat, structure, and content of therapy sessions are discussed. Open trial
pilot data indicates efficacy in reducing PTSD severity. (C) 1999 Elsevier
Science Inc. All rights reserved.