Post-Hospital Intervention for Veterans With Comorbid Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders

Post-Hospital Intervention for Veterans With Comorbid Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention for Veterans with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders following a psychiatric hospitalization. Half of the participants will receive a specialized psychosocial intervention program, while the other half will receive an enhanced safety monitoring program, both provided in addition to their routine care.

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention designed to improve treatment adherence in Veterans with comorbid bipolar disorder and substance use disorders (BP-SUD) following a psychiatric hospitalization. Participants will be randomized to either the specialized psychosocial intervention or an enhanced safety monitoring program, both as adjuncts to VA treatment as usual. Veterans with BP-SUD will be recruited from the Providence VAMC inpatient psychiatric unit and assessed at baseline and at 3 (mid-treatment), 6 (post-treatment), and 9-month post-discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of a mood disorder
• Diagnosis of a substance use disorder (drug and/or alcohol)
• Taking at least one psychiatric medication

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to speak and read English
• Younger than age 18