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

Overview

PATH (PTSD & Alcohol Use Treatment & Healing) was created to develop more effective treatments for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol-related problems. PTSD is one of the most common conditions among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In fact, approximately 50% of those with PTSD also have AUD.

The PATH program will compare two forms of talk therapy to learn which form of treatment works best, for whom, and the mechanisms underlying improvements. These two forms of talk therapy include 1) standard care (Relapse Prevention) or 2) a new treatment that combines Relapse Prevention with Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Both interventions involve evidence-based therapy with a trained clinician.

PATH is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). This study is led by Dr. Sudie Back at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Dr. Anka Vujanovic at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Both are licensed clinical psychologists with over 30 years combined experience in clinical research and expertise in co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use conditions.