Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders and PTSD
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) as a Brief Trauma Treatment for Veterans With Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders and PTSD
This study is testing if written exposure therapy can help veterans with substance use disorders and PTSD feel better and improve their recovery compared to a standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (West Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05327504 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of both substance use disorder and PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with schizophrenia, severe mood disorders, or those who have recently undergone specific PTSD therapies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide Veterans with a novel and effective approach to simultaneously address both PTSD and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for written exposure therapy in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
West Haven, Connecticut
- 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
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.