Helping Veterans with Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Issues After Hospitalization
Official title: Post-Hospital Intervention for Veterans with Comorbid Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-11222679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Veterans who are dealing with both bipolar disorder and substance use issues after they leave the hospital, by creating supportive follow-up plans that make it easier for them to stick to their treatment and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX002699-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have been hospitalized for bipolar disorder and also struggle with substance use issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the care of Veterans who have both bipolar disorder and substance use disorders after they leave the hospital. It aims to develop effective aftercare interventions that help these individuals adhere to their treatment plans, reducing the risk of relapse and suicide. The approach includes active follow-up and support to ensure that Veterans receive the necessary resources and guidance during their transition to outpatient care. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, the research seeks to enhance their overall mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for Veterans struggling with bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting this comorbid population, similar interventions in other mental health contexts have shown promise in improving treatment adherence and outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metrik, Jane — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Metrik, Jane
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together in Veterans
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Mobile health support to help Veterans with substance use disorders function better after treatment
A smartphone app, based on Motivational Enhancement Therapy, is being developed to help Veterans stay on track and function better after leaving residential substance use 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.