Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117063

Sonya B. Merrill, PhD¹, Janet Zinn, PhD², and Kenneth Curl, LCSW-C². (1) Vice President, Children, Youth, and Families Group, Educational Services, Inc., 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 240-744-7080, sonyam@esi-dc.com, (2) Children, Youth, and Families Group, Educational Services, Inc., 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814

In spite of substantial clinical and epidemiological evidence of the co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and traumatic stress symptoms in adolescents, little has been done until recently to begin to align assessment and intervention approaches to address the needs of this population. Adolescents who present with these conditions have traditionally been treated in separate systems. Frequently, the complicating co-occurring conditions have not been identified and recovery has been compromised.

Intersections between substance abuse treatment and exposure to trauma for adolescents are being developed to more effectively address both problems through a comprehensive collaborative model. Preliminary evidence points to an increased risk for alcohol and other drug use among adolescents who have been exposed to trauma. Exposure to trauma can have long-lasting consequences for children and adolescents. Even without a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, these children can benefit from field-tested interventions.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, coordinates and implements the development of interventions, evaluations, and treatment for adolescents exposed to traumatic events. The NCTSI takes a public health approach (Fairbank, et al) through community and national collaborations of researchers, practitioners, and other experts to minimize harm to adolescents and their families by addressing not only services and interventions but also policy.

The Network's collaborative efforts are a useful model for mobilizing public health researchers and other public health professionals to begin to bridge the gap between substance abuse and trauma assessment and treatment for adolescents.

Learning Objectives: