Exploring how alcohol affects positive emotions in people with PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Official title: Idiographic Examination of Alcohol to Dampen Positive Emotions for Co-morbid Alcohol Use and PTSD
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-10730599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with PTSD and alcohol use issues might drink to cope with positive feelings, which can sometimes bring back tough memories, and it’s for individuals who have experienced trauma and often drink.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $429,964 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA030686-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have both PTSD and alcohol use disorder and regularly consume alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between alcohol use and positive emotions in individuals who experience both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It aims to understand how these individuals may use alcohol to avoid positive emotions, which can trigger trauma-related symptoms. By collecting detailed, real-time data on emotional experiences and alcohol consumption, the study seeks to uncover the dynamics of these interactions in daily life. Participants will be trauma-exposed individuals who regularly drink and experience PTSD symptoms, allowing for a comprehensive examination of their emotional processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the role of positive emotions in this context, the study's approach is innovative and aims to fill a gap in existing literature.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, Nicole Holland — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Weiss, Nicole Holland
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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.