Integration of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder and Co-Occurring PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PI: Dr. Anka Vujanovic, PhD Dr. Sudie Back, PhD The PATH program compares two forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to determine which treatment works better for adults who meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD and AUD and to understand how these treatments lead to improvement. Participants receive either the standard of care (Relapse Prevention) or a new treatment that combines Relapse Prevention with Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. All participants in the program will receive evidence-based care.
Contact
Texas A&M University – Trauma and Stress Study Center

Overview

This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study is led by Dr. Anka Vujanovic at Texas A&M and Dr. Sudie Back at the Medical University of South Carolina. Both are licensed clinical psychologists with over 30 years of combined experience in clinical research and expertise in co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use conditions. The study is a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of a combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention (CPT-RP) intervention for adults with co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will be randomized to receive either 12 (90-minute) sessions of the integrated CPT-RP treatment or Relapse Prevention (RP) alone, delivered over 6 weeks. The study includes follow-up assessments at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment to evaluate long-term outcomes. Participants 18 years of age or older must have moderate to severe AUD and PTSD, with allowances for co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders and other substance use, provided alcohol is the primary substance of concern. Exclusion criteria include a history of psychotic or bipolar disorders, suicidal or homicidal intent, current pregnancy, acute alcohol withdrawal, or ongoing evidence-based treatment for AUD or PTSD.

Study procedures include an initial telephone screening, followed by a baseline assessment, during which participants undergo diagnostic interviews, self-report measures, biological tests such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and pregnancy testing (if applicable). Eligible participants will then attend twice-weekly therapy sessions at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, or the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. At-home telehealth sessions are also available.

Duration

Participants will first complete a 15-minute screening process. The initial assessment will take 2-3 hours, followed by twice-weekly therapy sessions, each lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Daily surveys will take about 5 minutes per day, and follow-up visits will also take 2-3 hours each.

Compensation

Participants can earn up to $540 for completing all study assessments. Compensation includes $50 for the baseline assessment, up to $160 for weekly assessments during the 12 treatment sessions, and additional payments for followup assessments—$50 at 3 months, $75 at 6 months, and $100 at 12 months. Participants can also receive up to $125 for completing daily assessments during the treatment phase.

Location

Bryan-College Station – on-campus

IRB Info

IRB Number: IRB2023-0985DCR
IRB Approval Date: 09/15/2024