Exploring the links between alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Official title: Alcohol Use Phenotypes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Investigating Shared Genetic, Behavioral, and Psychophysiological Risk Factors
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10786073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how PTSD and alcohol use are linked, especially how symptoms of PTSD might affect drinking habits, and it’s inviting people with these conditions to help by sharing their experiences and genetic information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,630 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AA028058-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10786073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who also engage in problematic alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or significant alcohol use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are connected, focusing on shared genetic, behavioral, and psychological factors. It aims to understand the relationship between the severity of PTSD symptoms and the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. By analyzing large-scale molecular data, the study will explore how distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity contribute to both PTSD and alcohol use. Patients may be asked to participate in assessments and provide genetic information to help uncover these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals suffering from PTSD and alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the comorbidity of PTSD and alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bountress, Kaitlin Elizabeth — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Bountress, Kaitlin Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrated treatment for alcohol use and PTSD during pregnancy
A study to test a 2-part, pregnancy-tailored behavioral treatment delivered by telehealth to help pregnant people with alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder.
-
Biological signs linked to alcohol problems in young people with bipolar disorder
This project will look for brain and stress-related signs that predict which young people with bipolar disorder and their peers may go on to develop alcohol problems.
-
Investigating biological factors that may lead to alcohol use disorders in young adults with bipolar disorder.
This study is looking at how certain biological factors and life experiences might lead to alcohol problems in young adults with bipolar disorder, using brain scans to see how things change over time, so we can find better ways to help those who are affected.
-
Combining treatments for alcohol use disorder and PTSD after sexual assault
This study is testing a new five-session treatment for people who have experienced sexual assault and are dealing with alcohol problems and PTSD, to see if it can help them feel better and reduce their drinking.
-
Biomarkers to detect recent heavy drinking in veterans
A doctor-scientist team is testing blood biomarkers to better identify recent excessive alcohol use in veterans so clinicians can screen, counsel, and care for those at risk.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
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.