An examination of demographic characteristics among substance-dependent individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) participating in outpatient substance abuse treatment programs

This study conducted a real-time assessment of PTSD in participants enrolled in outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. The assessment consisted of the adminstration of a demographic survey and a psychological inventory, which provided information about substance dependence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to further examine demographic characteristics in a population of participants with alcohol dependence or drug dependence and conjoint PTSD. The researcher of this study discussed existing research in each of these assessed areas. The results of this study reveal that a statistical significance between gender and educational level on the prevalence of alcohol dependence and a statistical significance in household income on the prevalence of drug dependence. However, no statistical relationship was noted in this study between any of assessed demographic variables and alcohol or drug dependence and PTSD. The studies results are presented along with a discussion of the studies limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications of the studies findings.