Therapy for posttraumatic stress and alcohol dependence.

To the Editor In a randomized clinical trial, Dr Foa and colleagues examined prolonged exposure psychotherapy for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence. Prolonged exposure therapy was studied in relation to supportive counseling, use of naltrexone, and a pill placebo. The article provides an example of how the same findings can be interpreted quite differently when considered from a public health perspective.