Mechanisms of Change, Motivation, and Treatment Outcome in Alcohol Dependence - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Mechanisms of Change, Motivation, and Treatment Outcome in AD-PTSD

The purpose of this study is to test if provision of an effective psychotherapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), prolonged exposure, can be tolerated in alcohol dependent patients with PTSD and if it is associated with better treatment outcomes compared to an active control condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current PTSD
• Current Alcohol Dependence
• at least one heavy drinking day in the past 60 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotic disorder
• Untreated bi-polar disorder
• benzodiazepine use