Relationships Among PTSD, Trait Mindfulness, and Factors of SUD in Veterans Enrolled in Specialty SUD Treatment.
Substance use & addiction journal July 1, 2025 Kristoffer Rehder, Benjamin J Morasco, Sarah Bowen 1 citation
Mindfulness facets relate to substance use disorder factors in veterans, but not always in expected ways. Among 159 veterans in a VA SUD treatment program, after accounting for PTSD, depression, and craving, the mindfulness facet 'observe' was linked to more frequent alcohol use, 'non-judging' to more hazardous alcohol use, and 'non-reactivity' to fewer consequences from substance use. Non-reactivity also appeared to mediate the connection between PTSD and consequences. The positive associations of observe and non-judging with worse outcomes were contrary to hypotheses, suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and SUD may require careful tailoring.