A new study for people who have current alcohol problems and PTSD is seeking participants who will receive free treatment. This is a University of Washington and Seattle VA study to evaluate the effectiveness of two evidence-based psychotherapies: Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
People with both PTSD and alcohol use problems have often found it difficult to get treatment that would address both sets of issues. Over the past 10 to 15 years new therapies addressing both PTSD and addictions have been developed and tested, but the results of these studies have been mixed and overall, disappointing.
This study is testing established and effective treatments that were originally designed to treat PTSD (Cognitive Processing Therapy) or addictions (Relapse Prevention) because of new information suggesting that they each can be helpful for both problems. If true, that would expand treatment options for people with PTSD and alcohol problems.
Treatment is provided at no cost, and volunteers will be paid for pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments (up to $483). Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Men and women, active duty military, veterans, and civilians are all welcome to participate. Participants will be required to commute to Seattle twice a week for 6 weeks for therapy appointments.
For clinicians who have a patient who indicates an interest in the study, please have them call the UW study coordinator, Sruti Desai, at 206-543-0584. You can also download a flyer to post in your offices: APT Study Flyer
The study is led by Tracy Simpson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, VA Puget Sound, and Debra Kaysen, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, University of Washington.
