title: Echoes of the Past: Recognizing Co-occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the American Veteran Population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this editorial is to explore and highlight the importance of identifying both the alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the veteran population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Determining if the patient has military experience can assist in both an accurate and complete assessment. Being aware of the patient's military service time can help better understand some of the presenting physical and mental complaints that may incorrectly be attributed to substances. Although not all veterans had trauma exposure while in the military, asking about PTSD may help identify additional issues needing attention. Having a PTSD diagnosis increases the likelihood that there is an underlying substance use disorder. Veterans with PTSD have a 65% likely comorbidity with alcohol use (Smith, Goldstein, & Grant, 2016).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognition of PTSD as a co-occurring disorder with AUD can begin the dialogue to address treatment of both disorders to optimize recovery.
authors.affiliation: Susanne A. Fogger, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FAANP, VA Nursing Academic Partnership-Graduate Education for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham.Joshua J. Hart, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, DNPc, VA Nursing Academic Partnership-Graduate Education for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Alabama.
authors.forename: Susanne A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Fogger
authors.forename: Joshua J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*