The relevance of post‐traumatic stress disorder as a moderator of the relationship between experience of violent or sexual assault and opioid use in adulthood

Abstract

Background: Past research has indicated that individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may demonstrate increased sensitivity to stress exposure following onset of the disorder. Thus, having PTSD may amplify the effects of subsequent stressors. This has been found to be relevant in some forms of substance use but relationships between PTSD, new stress and opioid use specifically has not been examined. Aims:To explore interactions between PTSD, new victimisation and opioid use and test the hypothesis that PTSD will moderate any victimisation-opioid use relationship. Methods:The pathways to desistance data were used in analyses. A series of logistic regression models were used to test both direct effects of victimisation and PTSD on opioid use and interactions between them. Results:The sample was comprised of a male majority (male N = 1,170; female N = 184). Results indicated that neither PTSD nor victimisation were significant predictors of opioid use. PTSD was found to moderate the relationship between victimisation and opioid use in the hypothesised manner.Conclusions: There may be clinical implications of these results relating to both inpatient and outpatient treatment.Regular trauma screening, additional victims' services and trauma-informed care may help to reduce the risk of opioid use among individuals suffering from PTSD.

Assessing moral injury and its clinical associations in a U.K. secure care population.

“…As with PTSD, PMIEs are necessary but not the sole predictor of distress. Potential contributory factors of distress following PMIEs include having a trauma history, being younger, female, minority ethnic, ex-military, homeless, incarcerated, and abusing alcohol or substances (Edwards et al, 2021; Nicholson et al, 2022; Wojciechowski, 2021). Protective factors include social and familial support (Khan et al, 2021; Martin et al, 2017) and forgiveness and self-compassion (Evans et al, 2018).…”

“…Research shows that these populations are exposed to greater traumatic events than the general population (Bebbington et al, 2017; Facer-Irwin et al, 2021; Ford et al, 2019; Macinnes et al, 2016). Trauma and PMIEs can result in various consequences which increase the likelihood of encountering forensic services, including greater anger, hostility, and substance use (Kelley, Braitman, et al, 2019; Maguen et al, 2021; Martin et al, 2017; Wojciechowski, 2021), homelessness (Edwards et al, 2021), sexual victimization (Facer-Irwin et al, 2021), direct interpersonal violence (Facer-Irwin et al, 2021), and terrorism, radicalization, or extremism (Williamson et al, 2021). Research indicates a correlation between traumatic experiences and an increased likelihood of engaging in violent or offending behavior (Ardino, 2012; Bianchini et al, 2022; Nedegaard & Cronin, 2021).…”