Cognitive Processing Therapy plus Relapse Prevention for people with alcohol problems and PTSD
Official title: Integration of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder and Co-Occurring PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11378367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial offers a combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and relapse-prevention program for adults with alcohol use disorder and PTSD to reduce drinking and PTSD symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $663,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030157-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have both alcohol use disorder and co-occurring PTSD and who are seeking outpatient behavioral treatment would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without both AUD and PTSD, or those with severe medical instability or acute suicidal intent, may not be appropriate for or benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
If you join, you would be randomly assigned to receive a manualized therapy that blends trauma-focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with Relapse Prevention (RP) skills. Trained clinicians deliver the integrated sessions over a defined treatment period while researchers track your PTSD symptoms, alcohol use, safety, and satisfaction. The team already pilot-tested the manual and found it feasible with high retention and patient satisfaction. Study visits and follow-ups will collect measures to see how well the combined therapy works compared to usual approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this combined treatment could reduce PTSD symptoms and alcohol use while improving overall functioning and treatment retention.
How similar studies have gone: Both CPT and Relapse Prevention are well-established, and the investigators' pilot data of the combined CPT-RP manual showed feasibility, high retention, and strong patient satisfaction.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vujanovic, Anka Anna — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Vujanovic, Anka Anna
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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.