Traumatic Event Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, and Substance Use Among Youth: A Critical Review of the Empirical Literature

Authors: Blumenthal, Heidemarie; Blanchard, Leslie; Feldner, Matthew T.; Babson, Kimberly A.; Leen-Feldner, Ellen W.; Dixon, Laura

Source: Current Psychiatry Reviews, Volume 4, Number 4, November 2008 , pp. 228-254(27)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Traumatic event exposure and subsequent posttraumatic stress have been linked to increased use of various substances among adults. Relatively less is known about this linkage among youth, despite high rates of traumatic event exposure and substance use within this population. To address this gap, the current review presents a detailed summary and critical analysis of the empirical literature focused on the co-occurrence of traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress, and substance use among youth. The evidence suggests that multiple types of substance use are highly related to exposure to a traumatic event and posttraumatic stress reactions among youth. Relatively little is known about the directionality or specificity of this relation, and additional research on factors that affect or account for this association is needed. Critical challenges of this literature, as well as specific recommendations for future research, are discussed.

Keywords: Trauma; PTSD; substance use; youth

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157340008786576562

Publication date: 2008-11-01

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Current Psychiatry Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on clinical psychiatry and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, epidemiology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all clinicians, psychiatrists and researchers in psychiatry.