Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder (ACT-SHARE Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByHannah Grigorian, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Veterans seeking to improve their romantic relationships when high conflict and unhealthy dynamics (e.g., aggression) are present remain underserved within the VHA with few treatment options. Veterans with PTSD and alcohol misuse face compounding and overlapping barriers to intimate relationship functioning warranting tailored interventions. These Veterans may be best served through individual, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions which can both 1) improve the ability to manage challenging, internal experiences (e.g., physiological reactivity, cravings, beliefs about worth and trust) and 2) encourage participation in valued actions to improve relationship functioning. Following development and refinement, this clinical trial will pilot an evidence-based, integrated ACT intervention (ACT for Social Health, Achievement, and Relationship Effectiveness \[ACT-SHARE\]) to improve relationship health and safety for Veterans with PTSD alcohol misuse.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans over 18 with PTSD and alcohol misuse who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) recently. They should want to improve their romantic relationships, be able to give informed consent, and agree to audio recordings. It's not for those needing inpatient care for suicidality, detoxification from severe substance use, or those with cognitive impairments or active psychosis/mania.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any cognitive issues that would prevent me from participating in the study.

I have been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or actions.

Participant Groups

The trial tests ACT-SHARE therapy designed to help Veterans manage PTSD and alcohol misuse while improving relationship health. The therapy aims at handling internal challenges like reactivity and cravings while promoting actions that enhance intimate relationships.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: ACT-SHAREExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This is a single-arm intervention with all participants assigned to receive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social Health, Achievement, and Relationship Effectiveness (ACT-SHARE). ACT-SHARE has been adapted for this study from existing interventions using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address alcohol use, PTSD, social functioning, and IPV use.