Advancing Couple and Family Alcohol Treatment Through Patient-Oriented Research and Mentorship

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Alcohol Use Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Couples

In brief

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem that results in significant health and economic burdens including mortality, morbidity, and poor treatment outcomes. A well-developed field of research suggests that alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to IPV. Individuals with PTSD and/or problematic drinking behaviors are at risk for IPV because of several factors that are common symptoms of PTSD. Because individuals with PTSD often drink alcohol to "self-medicate" or cope with distressing PTSD symptoms, PTSD co-occurs with alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder at extraordinarily high rates. However, few studies have examined the combined effects of alcohol misuse and PTSD on any form of violence. This study will examine the effects of alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV). We will examine these associations among couples (N=70) in a controlled laboratory setting using validated, standardized methods in a 'real-world' settings using 28 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Key facts

Study ID: NCT05786157
Run by: Medical University of South Carolina
People needed: 140
Starts: 2024-03-01
Expected to finish: 2029-10-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-04-03

Who can join

Age: 21 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Any gender identity; any race or ethnicity; ages 21 years or older.
Must report ≥ 2 heavy drinking episodes in the past 30 days (i.e., 4 or more drinks for women, 5 or more for men in ≤ 2 hours) and consumed a quantity of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the standard dose administered for their weight in the laboratory (assessed via the TLFB).
At least one instance of physical IPV in the current relationship reported by at least one partner within the couple (assessed by the CTS-2).
Participants must agree not to drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the experimental visit day. Transportation will be provided if necessary.
One or both partners in half the couples will be required to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD (assessed by the CAPS-5).

You may not qualify if…

Possible drug use disorder (except caffeine or nicotine) as meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria via the QuickSCID; Recent recreational drug use (e.g., cannabis) is acceptable.
Severe alcohol use disorder as meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria via the QuickSCID. Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only.
Meeting DSM-5 criteria for a history of or current psychotic or bipolar disorders.
Current suicidal or homicidal ideation and intent.
History of or current psychiatric or medical condition for which alcohol administration is medically contraindicated.
Body weight > 250 lbs (in order to rigorously control alcohol dosing). Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only.
Use of medications such as lithium, methadone, alpha or beta blockers or cholinergic/ anticholinergic drugs likely to confound normative cardiovascular responding for the psychophysiological component of the project. Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Severe or unilateral partner violence in the past 6 months as measured by the CTS-2.

Where it is running

Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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