Triggers for cocaine and alcohol use in the presence and absence of posttraumatic stress disorder

The present study compared high-risk triggers and substance use situations among 72 (34 men, 38 women) individuals with alcohol (AD) or cocaine dependence (CD), with or without comorbid PTSD. Consistent with the self-medication hypothesis, individuals with PTSD reported significantly greater use of substances in response to negative situations, such as unpleasant emotions and physical discomfort, as compared to individuals without PTSD. CD individuals were significantly more likely than AD individuals to report using in temptation situations, regardless of PTSD status. Also, CD individuals with PTSD reported greater use of cocaine during pleasant times with others, as compared to those without PTSD. The findings highlight the importance of addressing individual-specific high-risk situations in relapse prevention.