Testing Combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention for Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new combined cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with both posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD and alcohol use disorder AUD. This study compares the effectiveness of an integrated treatment combining Cognitive Processing Therapy CPT with Relapse Prevention RP against RP alone. The goal is to see if the combined approach better reduces alcohol use and PTSD symptoms, using standardized clinical measures and daily monitoring of behavior and symptoms. Participants receive either 12 individual sessions of CPT plus RP or 12 sessions of RP alone, each session lasting 90 minutes and delivered twice weekly. Flexibility is allowed to complete sessions within nine weeks. The CPTRP treatment addresses the links between PTSD and alcohol use by teaching coping strategies for cravings, managing triggers, and restructuring trauma-related thoughts. The RP-only sessions focus on coping skills related to alcohol use, such as managing cravings and planning for emergencies. During the study, participants will be assessed regularly using clinical scales like the Timeline Follow-Back for alcohol use and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Daily real-time data on alcohol-related thoughts and PTSD symptoms will be collected through ecological momentary assessment. Outcomes will be measured through treatment completion and at follow-up points up to 12 months later. The study includes safety monitoring and adherence tracking, with overall participation lasting at least 12 weeks for treatment and additional follow-up periods.

Integration of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD