Helping people with opioid use disorder and PTSD through written therapy.
Official title: Treating OUD/PTSD in Residential Care: Written Exposure in Substance Treatment (WEST).
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-11056226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make a therapy called Written Exposure Therapy better for people who are dealing with both opioid use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, by getting input from patients and treatment providers in residential treatment settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $798,605 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA062302-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals receiving residential treatment for opioid use disorder who also have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment for individuals who have both opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It aims to adapt a therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) specifically for use in residential treatment settings for substance use disorders. The study will gather feedback from patients and treatment providers to refine this therapy, ensuring it meets the unique needs of those struggling with both conditions. By testing this adapted therapy, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of PTSD treatment in residential care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients dealing with both opioid use disorder and PTSD, potentially reducing their symptoms and improving their overall recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD in substance use treatment, indicating that this adapted approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schacht, Rebecca L — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Schacht, Rebecca L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
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.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.