A therapy group designed specifically for women Veterans with alcohol use issues
Official title: A Female-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group for Alcohol Use Disorder in VA Primary Care Settings
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11013915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special group therapy program just for women Veterans to help them with alcohol use issues, making it easier for them to get support in their regular doctor’s office.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $581,852 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028240-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013915 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women Veterans who are experiencing alcohol use disorder and prefer female-specific treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as female or who do not have alcohol use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a female-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group aimed at addressing alcohol use disorder (AUD) among women Veterans in primary care settings. The study seeks to adapt existing CBT methods that have been effective for civilian women to create a tailored program for female Veterans, who often face unique challenges and barriers to treatment. By providing this therapy in a primary care environment, the research aims to improve access to care and enhance treatment outcomes for women Veterans struggling with alcohol-related problems. The approach emphasizes the importance of gender-specific content and a supportive group setting to encourage participation and engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment access and outcomes for women Veterans with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with gender-specific treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder, indicating potential for this adapted program.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Epstein, Elizabeth Ellen — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Epstein, Elizabeth Ellen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
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-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.