Using a mobile app to help improve alcohol treatment for PTSD patients

Testing a PTSD m-Health Intervention to Improve Alcohol Treatment Outcomes

Not applicable Interventional Michigan State University · NCT05564663

This study tests whether a mobile app can help adults with PTSD who are also getting treatment for alcohol use disorder feel better and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMichigan State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05564663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health application designed for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are also undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder. Participants will receive the PTSD Coach App along with brief support, compared to enhanced usual care. The study will assess whether this intervention can lead to better treatment outcomes for those struggling with both conditions. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old, currently in addiction treatment, and meet specific diagnostic criteria for PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are currently receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder and have a diagnosis of PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients who are actively using injection drugs, unable to communicate in English, or currently receiving specific PTSD therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients dealing with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions for mental health and addiction treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥ 18 years old
* Currently in addictions treatment
* Meet criteria for a current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) AUD diagnosis
* A score of 33 or greater on the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)
* Own a smart phone or other type of Wi-Fi-enabled device with App capabilities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Injection drug use in the past year
* Patients who are unable to speak and/or understand English
* Patients who are currently engaged in specific therapy for PTSD (Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR)

Where this trial is running

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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.
Conditions Posttraumatic Stress DisorderAlcohol Use Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.