Risk factors for revictimization during treatment in patients with co-occurring SUD and PTSD.
Nathalie N M Faber, Christin Kühner, Carolien Christ et al.
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In 30 seconds
This analysis of the Treatment of PTSD and Addiction randomized controlled trial examined factors associated with revictimization among 203 patients with co-occurring substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder who had experienced interpersonal victimization at baseline. Over 9 months, 42.5% experienced revictimization. Physical violence was the most common reported type (26.0%), followed by other unwanted sexual experiences (20.0%). PTSD severity and age were univariate predictors, but only age remained robustly associated after accounting for the other study variables; younger age was associated with greater risk.
Key findings
- Revictimization occurred in 42.5% of participants during the 9-month follow-up.
- Physical violence was reported by 26.0%, and other unwanted sexual experiences by 20.0%.
- PTSD severity and age were univariate predictors, but only younger age remained robustly associated with revictimization after adjustment.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that repeated interpersonal victimization is a substantial concern among patients receiving treatment for co-occurring SUD and PTSD. Recognising this burden can support clinical attention to patients’ safety and inform research into factors linked to vulnerability, while the observed age association does not establish a causal mechanism.
What to keep in mind
The analysis included only patients with interpersonal victimization at baseline, and follow-up was limited to 9 months. The reported associations do not establish causation.