In addition to educational materials about PTSD generally, it may be helpful to provide patients with educational materials with specific information about the co-occurrence of PTSD and SUDs. Below, we provide links to resources that are accessible and easy-to-understand for patients and families of people with PTSD. These resources provide definitions of substance use problems, an overview of the relation between substance use and trauma, the effect of substance use on the symptoms of traumatic stress, how these problems can affect important relationships, and treatment options for people with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. These resources may be provided to patients or used to facilitate clinical conversations.
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies pamphlet: Traumatic Stress and Substance Abuse Problems
- AboutFace Video playlist: Using Drugs or Alcohol to Cope
- VA Podcast Series: PTSD Bytes
- #20: PTSD and Tobacco Use
- #15: PTSD and Alcohol Use