Women with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and PTSD: How Women Understand their Illness

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored women's understanding about their “illness” co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings are part of a larger study that investigated the effectiveness of “Seeking Safety Treatment” within a therapeutic community among women with SUD and PTSD co-morbidities. Seventy-eight women in treatment, who met the diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, participated in the study. Typical study participants were Caucasian, heterosexual, single women between 25 and 38 years old, with 2 children, a high school level education, unemployed, and had annual incomes of less than $10,000. This study summarized responses to a questionnaire given to the women when they entered treatment. Responses are summarized according to question. The following represents a general summary:Drugs or addiction caused the illness that brought me to treatment, and it was largely the result of my family life. The illness numbs me. I hope that I can achieve sobriety through the treatment here. I have suffered multiple losses because of my illness, and I am most afraid that I will die because of it. The illness causes me to be very angry. I think my family should treat me lovingly. I have a bad, severe and lifelong illness.The findings of the study are intended to assist in developing effective treatment programs for women with multiple diagnoses accompanying their substance abuse disorders.