Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders and PTSD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project evaluates the effectiveness of written exposure therapy (WET) for Veterans undergoing treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) who also have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study involves a randomized clinical trial where participants will receive either WET combined with standard treatment or a neutral writing condition alongside standard treatment. The aim is to determine if WET can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve addiction outcomes compared to the control group. Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points to measure changes in trauma symptoms, distress, and mood.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans ages 18 years old or older;
* Meets DSM-5 criteria for at least one substance use disorder (SUD);
* Meets DSM-5 criteria for PTSD;
* Approved for SUD treatment at VA Connecticut Healthcare System.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Veterans who meet current criteria for schizophrenia, schizophrenia-type disorders, or unmedicated mania or bipolar disorder as determined by QuickSCID-5;
* current suicidal or homicidal risks necessitating a higher level of care;
* Veterans who have received an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for PTSD protocol within the past 6 months;
* Problems that would prevent a participant from completing the writing intervention or study assessments (e.g., illiteracy). To assess for literacy, participants will read parts of the consent out loud.

Where it's running

• VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
  West Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sarah Meshberg-Cohen, PhD MS BS — VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
• Study coordinator: Vera Bici, BA
• Email: Vera.Bici@va.gov
• Phone: (203) 932-5711

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.