Rates of heavy episodic drinking (HED) among military veterans are almost double that of the general population. Veterans also experience more serious negative health consequences of HED, including high-risk behaviors such as aggression. Research shows there is a link between HED and aggression. However, no programs exist to reduce alcohol-related aggression among veterans. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of adapting a current therapy - Managing Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) - to include alcohol-focused Motivational Interviewing plus Feedback (MIF). We will use a brief, four session protocol that includes an hour of talk therapy, plus completion of surveys at each of the four sessions.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem that results in significant health and economic burdens including mortality, morbidity, and poor treatment outcomes. A well-developed field of research suggests that alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to IPV. Individuals with PTSD and/or problematic drinking behaviors are at risk for IPV because of several factors that are common symptoms of PTSD. Because individuals with PTSD often drink alcohol to "self-medicate" or cope with distressing PTSD symptoms, PTSD co-occurs with alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder at extraordinarily high rates. However, few studies have examined the combined effects of alcohol misuse and PTSD on any form of violence.

This study will examine the effects of alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV). We will examine these associations among couples (N=70) in a controlled laboratory setting using validated, standardized methods in a 'real-world' settings using 28 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). EMA includes very short surveys (5 minutes or less) that participants respond to on a smartphone application. Participants will be asked to respond to these surveys in the morning and three additional times throughout the day.

Improving alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment among Veterans is a national public health problem. The rate of AUD among Veterans is twice that of civilians, with up to 50% of Veterans having AUD. Family-based AUD programs are rarely undertaken in busy treatment clinics, and Veterans with problem drinking behavior or AUD are commonly excluded from couple therapies. As a result, there is a need to develop effective family AUD treatments that are both brief and highly accessible to Veterans.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new treatment add-on called Brief Family-Involved Treatment (B-FIT), which will be delivered via telehealth among Veterans engaged in alcohol-based treatment/therapy.

This study is an 12-week, Stage-II, open randomized controlled trial examining B-FIT in combination with treatment as usual, TAU (i.e., B-FIT + CBT treatment) as compared to TAU alone (i.e., CBT treatment). Veterans and their treatment companion (family member, partner, friend) will complete weekly assessments during the treatment phase in addition to 3 & 6 month follow-up assessments, all via telehealth.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and intoxication have been shown to lead to episodes of intimate partner violence (IPV). Approximately one third of U.S. adults experience IPV during their lifetimes. Research shows that IPV has negative effects on treatment for AUD treatment and increases risk of relapse. Although treatments targeting AUD and IPV do work for some people, we often see high dropout rates, and resistance to change.

This project seeks to develop interactive treatment options to successfully reduce AUD and IPV concurrently. The purpose of the study is to examine the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of wearable activity trackers (like a smart watch) and use of a cell phone application (app) among couples. We are also testing the use of this device and app will affect alcohol use and couple conflict.

This study involves a screening phase and a 28 observation period where participants are asked to wear a smart watch, complete assessments and provide feedback.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, debilitating condition that affects our nation's Veterans at staggering rates. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of a medication (oxytocin) to enhance Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PE is a widely used cognitive behavioral intervention (talk therapy) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In order to accomplish this goal, we are recruiting participants for a clinical trial. Participants enrolled in this trial will complete 10 weeks of a treatment phase, that includes weekly doses of either the investigational study medication or an inactive placebo. In addition, all participants will receive 10 weekly sessions of PE talk therapy. Once per week before each therapy session, participants will take a dose of medication intranasally. This study has the potential to improve patient care practices, advance the science in this area, and decrease public health costs.