Abstract
Background: Traumaexposure and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among clients of substance
use services. Existing treatments for these co-occurring conditions tend to be lengthy, treatment retention is
relatively poor, and they require extensive training and clinical supervision. The aim of the present study
was to conduct a preliminary examination of the feasibility and acceptability of a brief intervention for PTSD
symptoms among individuals seeking substance use treatment.
Methods: An uncontrolled open-label pilot study was conducted among 29 inpatients of a medicated detoxification
unit in Sydney, Australia. All participants completed a baseline interview followed by the brief intervention.
The intervention consists of a single, one-hourmanualised session providing psychoeducation pertaining to common
trauma reactions and symptom management. PTSD and substance use outcomes were assessed at 1-week,
1-month and 3-month post-intervention.
Results: PTSD symptom severity (assessed using the Clinicians Administered PTSD Scale) decreased significantly
from baseline to 1-week follow up (β −10.87, 95%CI: −19.75 to −1.99) and again between the 1-week and
3-month follow-ups (β −15.38, 95%CI: −23.20 to −7.57). Despite these reductions, the majority of participants
continued to meet criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and there was no change in participants' negative
post-traumatic cognitions. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention.
Conclusions: Brief psychoeducation for traumatised clients attending substance use services appears to be
feasible, acceptable, and may be of some benefit in reducing PTSD symptoms. However, participants continued
to experience symptoms at severe levels; thus, brief intervention may best be conceptualised as a “stepping
stone†to further trauma treatment.