Helping veterans with alcohol use disorder and PTSD through new therapy techniques
Official title: Adapting and Piloting Behavioral Activation for Veterans with Co-Occurring AUD and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11099839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special therapy can help veterans who are dealing with both alcohol problems and PTSD by encouraging them to engage in fun activities that don’t involve drinking, making it easier for them to feel better and enjoy life again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $250,733 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AA030820-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are U.S. military veterans aged 21 and older who are experiencing co-occurring alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have both alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans who struggle with both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It aims to adapt a therapy called Behavioral Activation, which encourages participation in rewarding activities that do not involve alcohol, to help these veterans improve their daily functioning and emotional well-being. The approach is designed to address the avoidance behaviors that often worsen both conditions, providing a more effective treatment option. By testing this method, the research seeks to determine its acceptability and feasibility for veterans facing these challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with more effective tools to manage their AUD and PTSD, leading to improved mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that Behavioral Activation is effective for treating other substance use disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel application for veterans with AUD and PTSD.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blakey, Shannon Michelle — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Blakey, Shannon Michelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
-
Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
A research project uses computer tools to find brain-based patterns that could help diagnose PTSD more clearly and tailor treatments for Veterans and others with PTSD.
-
PTSD, Faster Aging, and Veteran Health
A study to see whether PTSD makes aging happen faster in veterans and how this could affect their health and care.
-
Understanding how sensing sounds and sights affect PTSD
A study by the University of Texas Health Houston explores how abnormal brain sensing and fear networks contribute to PTSD and how these insights could guide future treatments.
-
Inflammation and fear learning in PTSD
This study looks at how a temporary inflammatory challenge affects fear extinction in people with and without PTSD to better understand how PTSD could be treated.
-
Mobile health support for people with opioid use disorder and PTSD after residential treatment
A mobile health tool will help adults with opioid use disorder and PTSD stay connected to support after they leave residential treatment.
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.