This study plans to develop an integrated treatment for comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse (SA) in adolescents. The investigators aim to develop a treatment approach that is community-friendly, well-tolerated, and deliverable by substance abuse counselors (SAC) in outpatient settings. The proposed Trauma-Focused Substance Abuse Treatment (TFSAT) aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and substance use and build coping skills. The investigators propose to adapt an evidence-based trauma program, Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), for adolescent substance abusers (ASAbusers); to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the integrated approach; and to pilot test the new program against standard care. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention group, compared to the control group, will reduce substance use and symptoms for traumatic stress.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
117
An integrated treatment approach to reduce substance use and PTSD symptoms. The intervention program includes: 1) 1-2 individual sessions during which youth talk about the trauma, during the course of the intervention program; 2) 16 group sessions for youth; 3) 2 conjoint sessions with parents to improve communication and problem-solving skills; and 4) 2 parent-education group sessions.
Behavioral Health Services
Los Angeles, California, United States
Timeline Follow-back (TFLB) Assessment of Substance Use
The TLFB uses a blank calendar form and a series of questions to cue recall of alcohol and drug (AOD) use. The investigators will use the TLFB interview technique to assess AOD use weekly.
Time frame: Participants will be followed for an expected average of 12 weeks.
Urine Toxicology Screen (UTS)
Urine samples will be collected twice per week at the treatment site to ensure validity of self-reports.
Time frame: Participants will be followed for an expected average of 12 weeks.
Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS)
The CPSS will assess for severity of traumatic stress symptoms.
Time frame: Change from Baseline in Child PTSD Symptom Scale at 8 weeks and change from Baseline in Child PTSD Symptom Scale at 12 weeks.
Child Post-Trauma Attitudes Scale (C-PTAS)
The C-PTAS will be used to assess trauma-related attitudes and beliefs.
Time frame: Baseline & 8 weeks & 3 months
Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
The SDQ will be used to assess parent-report of behavioral problems.
Time frame: Baseline & 8 weeks & 3 months
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