Integrated vs Sequential Treatment for PTSD and Addiction Among OEF/OIF Veterans

Although almost every form of psychotherapy has been advocated for PTSD, all evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD are CBT programs that include variants of exposure therapy (Prolonged Exposure), cognitive therapy (CT), stress inoculation training (SIT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or combinations of these procedures. Exposure therapy involves helping PTSD sufferers to gradually confront distressing trauma-related memories and reminders to facilitate successful emotional processing of the trauma memory and reduction of associated distress. Most exposure therapy programs include both imaginable confrontation with the traumatic memories and in vivo exposure to trauma reminders.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. MI is characterized by its spirit, which is defined as collaboration with the client, evocation of the client's own perceptions, goals, and values, and respect for the client's autonomy.