Integrated Cognitive Processing Therapy and Relapse Prevention for Co-Occurring PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Case Series Examining Acceptability and Initial Efficacy

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Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occur and present significant treatment challenges. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a widely used, efficacious treatment for PTSD, but the application of CPT among individuals with co-occurring PTSD/AUD has been limited. To address this gap, we developed a novel, 12-session trauma-focused treatment that combines CPT with Relapse Prevention (RP) for AUD (CPT+RP). This paper describes CPT+RP and presents preliminary outcomes from the first six participants enrolled in a larger, ongoing multisite clinical trial of CPT+RP. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) assessed frequency (percent days drinking; PDD) and quantity (drinks per drinking day; DDD) of alcohol use, and craving was measured using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS). The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire measured acceptability. Pre- to post-treatment reductions were observed in PTSD symptoms (ΔMCAPS-5 = 14.00; ΔMPCL-5 = 20.50), frequency and quantity of alcohol use (ΔMPDD = 38.65; ΔMDDD = 6.24), and craving (ΔPACS = 6.17). Most participants achieved clinically significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms and acceptability was high. Although preliminary, the findings suggest the new CPT+RP intervention is feasible, acceptable, and a promising treatment innovation for co-occurring PTSD and AUD.
Funding Information
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R01AA030157)

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