Comparing text message interventions for PTSD and hazardous drinking

Study 2: Testing the Efficacy of a CBT-enhanced Text Message Intervention to Reduce Symptom Burden in Individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Co-occurring Hazardous Drinking

NA · University of Washington · NCT06648395

This study is testing if sending helpful text messages based on therapy can better support people with PTSD and drinking problems compared to just sending friendly messages.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment333 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington (other)
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06648395 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) enhanced text message intervention against a supportive text message intervention for individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and hazardous drinking. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either three CBT-focused text messages per week or supportive messages over a four-week period. The study will enroll 333 participants and assess changes in PTSD and hazardous drinking symptoms at multiple time points, including baseline and up to 12 months post-intervention. Weekly self-reports will also be collected to monitor short-term symptom changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older residing in Washington State who have experienced a traumatic event and exhibit symptoms of PTSD and hazardous alcohol use.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously participated in the first Project BETTER study may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a scalable and accessible method for reducing PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking in affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using text message interventions for mental health and substance use issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18+ years of age
2. Currently resides in WA State
3. Fluent in English
4. Reports at least one DSM-5 traumatic event that occurred 1+ months ago
5. Current PTSD severity of 33+ on the PCL-5
6. Current hazardous alcohol use (2+ heavy episodic drinking occasions \[4+ drinks on one occasion for women, 5+ drinks on one occasion for men\] in past month, 1+ negative consequences related to alcohol use)
7. Owns a functioning cellular phone
8. Is willing to receive weekly study text messages for 4 consecutive weeks
9. Is willing to provide contact information including phone number (for text messages and reminders), email (reminders), and mailing address (payment)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous participation in Project BETTER study 1 (NCT05372042)

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alcohol Use, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, text messages

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.