An investigation of relations between crystal methamphetamine use and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Evidence documents elevated rates of various types of drug use among people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, relatively little research has specifically examined crystal methamphetamine (CM) use among individuals with PTSD. The present study examined the relation between PTSD diagnostic status, PTSD symptom severity within symptom type clusters, and CM use histories among traumatic event-exposed individuals with versus without PTSD. Consistent with expectations, individuals with PTSD were significantly more likely to report CM use than trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD. Additionally, CM users with PTSD reported a longer duration of CM use than trauma-exposed CM users without PTSD. Finally, PTSD avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, but not re-experiencing, were related to CM use. The potential clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed.
University of Arkansas, Department of Psychology, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States. rosecsmith@gmail.com
Rose C
RC
Smith
Heidemarie
H
Blumenthal
Christal
C
Badour
Matthew T
MT
Feldner
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001131:Arkansas / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine