A large proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also meet criteria
for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered alongside interventions for substance use disorders are most effective. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Relapse Prevention (RP) for AUD are two of the most widely used and effective treatments for these
conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the CPT-RP, as compared to RP alone, in reducing (1) alcohol use frequency and quantity and (2) PTSD symptom severity among individuals with current AUD/PTSD.

The need to advance knowledge and increase access to treatment for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) is a priority for service members and Veterans. PTSD and SUD often co-occur and are two of the most common and debilitating mental health disorders among service members and Veterans. However, few providers are trained in this approach and therefore are not prepared to deliver best practice care to Veterans who need integrated PTSD/SUD treatment.
This project will directly address this critical gap in provider training to improve the care of Veterans with comorbid PTSD/SUD, by providing development and testing of a web-based provider training course for concurrent treatment of PTSD and SUD Using prolonged exposure (COPE).

The purpose(s) of the research is to test a new medication in combination with a talk therapy for Veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and who may have alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study consists of 12 weekly therapy sessions. Once per week before each therapy session, an intranasal dose of investigational medication will be administered. The study also involves 3 and 6-month follow-up appointments and the administration of questionnaires at each visit.