Exploring how emotions and cravings affect substance use in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Examine Relationships Between Emotional Responding, Craving, and Substance Use, in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-11043777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feelings and cravings affect substance use in veterans with PTSD and substance use issues, and it aims to create helpful mobile tools to support them in managing their emotions and cravings in real life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2CX002799-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with both Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those not experiencing substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connections between emotional responses, cravings, and substance use in veterans suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). By using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), the study aims to capture real-time data on how emotional states influence substance use behaviors in everyday life. The goal is to develop mobile health interventions that can help veterans manage their emotional responses and reduce cravings at critical moments. This approach seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind PTSD-SUD and improve treatment outcomes for affected veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions that help veterans manage their emotions and reduce substance use, ultimately improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ecological momentary assessment to understand emotional and behavioral patterns, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Lauren — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Lauren
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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.