Abstract
The type and timing of treatment for comorbid substance abuse and victimization has been debated in the past decade. Arguments have been made for simultaneous treatment and consecutive treatment of each difficulty. Current issues and a case study in which both problems are treated simultaneously are presented. The patient received inpatient detoxification, inpatient and outpatient group counseling following the 12-step program, and a cognitive-behavioral-oriented outpatient group in the substance treatment component. Multiple Channel Exposure Therapy (MCET), a 12-week manualized treatment developed to treat individuals suffering from both post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder, was implemented in the victimization component. At postassessment and at follow-up, the patient no longer met criteria for any pretreatment diagnoses, and her alcohol dependence was in remission. Clinical implications and recommendations for the treatment of substance abuse and victimization are discussed.
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