Samuel Acuff
Samuel Acuff
Dr. Sudie Back - Prolonged Exposure for Substance Use Disorder and PTSD
Dr. Sudie Back - Prolonged Exposure for Substance Use Disorder and PTSD
Dr. Sudie Back - Prolonged Exposure for Substance Use Disorder and PTSD
Monday 14th July 2025
Dr. Sudie Back discusses the COPE therapy for treating co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder in this insightful episode.
77 minutes
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hopeful
challenging
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Author:
Samuel Acuff
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
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Episode Overview
- Dr. Sudie Back emphasizes treating PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously.
- COPE therapy integrates trauma-focused treatment with addiction therapy.
- In vivo exposure is vital for processing traumatic memories.
- The second half of therapy often yields significant effects.
- Tailoring treatments for diverse communities is crucial.
"Stay curious and stay connected to what you're really passionate about. Find good mentors to surround yourself with." - Dr. Sudie Back
In this episode of the Addiction Psychologist podcast, hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Dr. Sam Acuff engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Sudie Back, a renowned psychologist specializing in the treatment of co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder. Dr. Back, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and a psychologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital, shares her insights on developing effective treatments that address both disorders simultaneously. Dr.
Back outlines her academic journey, beginning with her PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Georgia, where she focused on trauma and PTSD. Her clinical internship at Yale University honed her expertise in substance use disorders. At the Medical University of South Carolina, she integrated her focus on trauma with substance use disorders during her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neurosciences.
A significant highlight of the episode is the discussion of COPE therapy, a prolonged exposure treatment designed to tackle both PTSD and substance use disorder. This integrated approach is crucial, as treating these co-occurring conditions in isolation often limits the effectiveness of therapy. Dr. Back explains how COPE helps patients process traumatic memories through in vivo exposure, focusing on the most challenging aspects of their experiences.
The conversation extends to the importance of adapting therapies to suit diverse communities, particularly underserved and minoritized populations who frequently face severe trauma and substance use challenges. Dr. Back and her colleague Anka Vianovic are working on modifying COPE to be developmentally appropriate for adolescents, recognizing that early interventions can be pivotal. Dr. Back concludes with valuable advice for aspiring clinician scientists, emphasizing persistence, passion, and the significance of mentorship.
Her encouragement to stay curious and connected to one's interests serves as a guiding principle for those embarking on a career in psychology and mental health. This episode not only provides a comprehensive overview of COPE therapy but also serves as an inspiration for listeners interested in making a difference in the field of addiction and mental health treatment.