๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-02-17

Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans With SUD and PTSD (NCT05327504)

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) as a Brief Trauma Treatment for Veterans With Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders and PTSD

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿง  Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The proposed project will evaluate the efficacy of written exposure therapy (WET) among Veterans engaged in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, who present with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While SUD treatment programs traditionally do not address PTSD, effective trauma treatments have been used successfully among those with substance use comorbidities. WET is a brief trauma-focused intervention shown to effectively treat PTSD. In a recent acceptability and feasibility pilot study among Veterans with co-occurring SUD and PTSD, results showed a decrease in PTSD symptoms among participants receiving WET. The goal of the present study is to improve outcomes for Veterans who present for SUD treatment with comorbid SUD/PTSD.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT โ€” West Haven, Connecticut

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Written Exposure Therapy (BEHAVIORAL)
  • Neutral Topic Writing (BEHAVIORAL)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT โ€” West Haven, Connecticut

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (203) 932-5711

Email: Vera.Bici@va.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—