Understanding how PTSD affects drinking behavior in real-time

Identification and characterization of in-the-moment cognitive antecedents to alcohol use among drinkers with PTSD

NIH-funded research Syracuse University · NIH-10931637

This study is looking at how thoughts and feelings can lead to drinking for people with PTSD, and it aims to find ways to help them manage their drinking better by understanding these triggers in their daily lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSyracuse University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931637 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cognitive factors that influence alcohol use among individuals with PTSD in their daily lives. It aims to identify specific thoughts and feelings that trigger drinking episodes when PTSD symptoms arise. By using focus groups and real-time assessments, the study will explore how these cognitive processes vary throughout the day and how they relate to actual drinking behavior. The goal is to develop interventions that can adapt to these fluctuating cognitive states to better support individuals struggling with both PTSD and alcohol use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who also engage in hazardous alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients without PTSD or those who do not consume alcohol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized interventions for individuals with PTSD who struggle with alcohol use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using real-time assessments to understand behavioral triggers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.