Significant Other Enhanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Misuse in OEF/OIF Veterans

This manuscript describes early work to develop a cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol for returning OEF/OIF veterans with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD). Based on the unique characteristics of this population, and on the literature supporting cognitive behavioral coping skills and significant other involvement for both PTSD and for AUD, the new therapy involves both of those components. The paper includes brief descriptions of two patients who were successfully treated with this approach. Although preliminary, these case studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy enhanced by significant other involvement may be a promising approach for OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD-AUD.