Functional associations among trauma, PTSD, and substance-related disorders

The correlations between trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse disorders are analyzed. Potential pathways to PTSD-substance abuse comorbidity are considered including the onset of the disorders, patients' perceptions of drug effects and differences between PTSD patients with and without comorbid substance use disorders. The effects of alcohol and other drugs on PTSD are also examined.