Helping veterans with alcohol use disorder and PTSD through new therapy techniques
Adapting and Piloting Behavioral Activation for Veterans with Co-Occurring AUD and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
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 ID | NIH-11099839 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have both alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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 Park, United States
- Research Triangle Institute — Research Triangle Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blakey, Shannon Michelle — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Blakey, Shannon Michelle
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 below.