Integrated CBT to Improve Functioning in Veterans With Anxiety and Substance Use

Last updated: October 7, 2025
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stress

Tourette's Syndrome

Stimulant Use Disorder

Treatment

Usual care

Problem Solving therapy

Unified Protocol- Alcohol

Clinical Study ID

NCT04871100
D3520-W
1IK2RX003520-01A2
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Individual with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder often use alcohol in ways that could cause them harm. Treating both mental health concerns and alcohol use at the same time can help reduce difficulties engaging in multiple treatments. The investigators are evaluating how a cognitive behavioral therapy program that helps Veterans with anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use at the same time can help improve the participants lives.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • meeting diagnostic criteria for current anxiety disorder and

  • endorsing hazardous alcohol use

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

-need for acute medically-supervised detoxification with exclusionary criteria of

  • high-risk suicidality

  • psychotic symptoms, or

  • cognitive impairment that could interfere with engagement in weekly psychotherapy

Study Design

Total Participants: 40
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Usual care
Phase:
Study Start date:
March 01, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
October 01, 2026

Study Description

Co-occurring hazardous drinking, anxiety disorders, and PTSD are problematic combinations of mental health concerns experienced by deployed Veterans. Veterans who have been deployed are at particular risk for experiencing problems in functioning and reintegration related to mental health disorders and hazardous drinking. Co-occurring anxiety and hazardous drinking heavily impact psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Although cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can promote psychological recovery through improvements in functioning and quality of life, most CBT protocols do not address co-occurring disorders, leading to inefficient and disjointed treatment. The current research seeks to adapt and test the Unified Protocol (UP) for deployed Veterans with hazardous drinking. The use of combined CBT for both anxiety disorders and hazardous drinking has the potential to more efficiently and effectively improve functioning, reduce symptoms, and promote psychosocial recovery.

Connect with a study center

  • Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

    Houston, Texas 77030-4211
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

    Houston 4699066, Texas 4736286 77030-4211
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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