Novel treatment for alcohol use disorder in veterans
Official title: Enhancing Treatment Outcomes Among Veterans With Alcohol Use Disorder: Clinical and Neural Markers of Adjunctive Approach-avoidance Training
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05372029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new computer-based training to help veterans with alcohol use disorder drink less and improve their recovery while they also receive standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 176 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 3, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05372029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans with a primary diagnosis of alcohol use disorder who have not been abstinent for more than 90 days.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of severe mental health disorders, neurological conditions, or those currently undergoing other treatments outside of standard care may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate a new treatment approach for veterans with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by utilizing a computer-delivered Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) to help reduce hazardous drinking and improve recovery outcomes. The intervention focuses on changing implicit tendencies to approach alcohol-related cues, which can hinder recovery. Participants will receive AAT in conjunction with standard VA care, and the study will assess clinical, cognitive, and neural effects of this innovative treatment. The goal is to enhance veterans' engagement in their lives and communities by addressing the high relapse rates associated with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery outcomes for veterans struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to address alcohol use disorder, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * fluent in English * primary diagnosis of alcohol use disorders (AUD) with no more than 90 days abstinence from alcohol * 4-week stability if taking psychotropic medications Exclusion Criteria: * lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar disorder * neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders * history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition * sensory deficits that would preclude completing tasks * suicidal or homicidal ideation within the past month necessitating urgent higher level care * concurrent individual psychotherapy or other treatment outside of standard DDRP programming * conditions unsafe for completing MRI scanning for those completing the scanning component only (e.g., metal in body)
Where it's running
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VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica A Bomyea, PhD — VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Study coordinator: Jessica A Bomyea, PhD
- Email: jessica.bomyea@va.gov
- Phone: (858) 642-3720
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Digital Recovery Support for Black adults with Alcohol Use Disorder in Detroit
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Path180: a computer-based skills program to help teens reduce alcohol use
This 8-week trial tests Path180, a computer-based skills training, added to usual care for teens 13–19 with alcohol use disorder to see if it improves daily-life coping skills and outcomes.
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Effects of comorbidity on people with severe mental illness
This study tests how having both alcohol/substance use and a severe mental illness affects hospitalizations, medications, and social participation among adults followed at a mental health center.
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Psilocybin in Alcohol Use Disorder with Depression (Relapse Prevention)
This study tests whether higher-dose psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy helps prevent relapse in adults with severe alcohol use disorder and depressive symptoms after detox.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.