Advancing PTSD-Substance Use Comorbidity Treatment Research Through Applying FAIR and FACT Data Science Frameworks in

objectivePosttraumatic stress (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment research has been hampered by heterogeneous measures, inconsistent reporting, and sensitive data governance constraints that limit data synthesis and clinical translation. This manuscript describes how integrating FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles and FACT (Fairness, Accuracy, Confidentiality, Transparency) concepts can strengthen PTSD-SUD data science, with

methodWe identify key barriers to evidence accumulation in PTSD-SUD clinical trials and map FAIR+FACT-aligned practices across the research lifecycle (data acquisition, harmonization, analysis, sharing, and dissemination). We then illustrate implementation strategies using procedures from

resultsWe identify priority points where FAIR+FACT alignment improves reproducibility and validity while reducing participant risk, particularly for populations vulnerable to confidentiality harms and stigma. The

conclusionsFAIR+FACT integration offers a practical framework for advancing trustworthy PTSD-SUD treatment evidence. We provide specific recommendations for investigators, clinical trial networks, and funders/policymakers to institutionalize FAIR+FACT requirements and resource the personnel and infrastructure needed for ethical, reusable PTSD-SUD datasets. Routine adoption of interoperable metadata standards, rigorous documentation and code sharing, and trauma-informed governance can accelerate guideline development, strengthen policy relevance, and improve clinical decision-making for individuals with comorbid PTSD and SUD.