Motivational therapy to reduce alcohol use and intimate partner violence in veterans
Adjunctive Motivational Alcohol Intervention to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence
This study is testing if a special therapy for veterans can help reduce alcohol use and violence in relationships better than standard treatment options.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 3 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05287711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a brief Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) intervention designed for Veterans who are receiving group treatment for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the MET intervention, an Alcohol Education (AE) intervention, or standard treatment as usual (TAU) telephone monitoring. The study aims to determine if MET leads to greater reductions in alcohol-related problems and IPV perpetration, as well as increased help-seeking behavior for alcohol issues. A total of 300 Veterans from the Strength at Home IPV intervention program will be involved in this research across various locations in the Veterans Health Administration system.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans aged 18 and older who exhibit alcohol-related problems and are enrolled in the Strength at Home program.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol-related problems or are not enrolled in the Strength at Home program may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce alcohol misuse and IPV among Veterans, leading to improved mental health and relationship outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting Veterans, similar interventions in other populations have shown promise in reducing alcohol use and IPV.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All Veteran participants must meet the following eligibility criteria: * participant is a Veteran * minimum age 18 * participant is enrolled in the Strength at Home program following program intake * participant displays evidence of alcohol-related problems during program intake, as indicated by any of the following: * a report of physical IPV while under the influence of alcohol in the past year * a score of 8 or greater on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) * consumption of 6 or more standard drinks per occasion on one or more occasions in the previous 6 months * average weekly consumption of 14 or more standard drinks in the prior 6 months * participant provides written consent to participate in the study * inclusion for this study is broad because this is a population who possesses a number of comorbid problems and exclusion for those based on psychopathology or risk for aggression could potentially lead to a biased sample Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations
- VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Casey Tyler Taft, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Casey T Taft, PhD
- Email: Casey.Taft@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 364-4344
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.