Recovery Processes for PTSD and Alcohol Use Following Sexual Assault

Following a sexual assault, individuals may develop chronic problems including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and frequent or problematic alcohol use. Intervention provided soon after an assault can decrease the risk of developing these problems long-term. We are recruiting female-identifying individuals, ages 18-65, living in Washington state, who have experienced a sexual assault and increased drinking in the past year. This study includes an initial study evaluation, assessment, up to 12 no-cost treatment sessions, three post-treatment assessments across four months, and up to $277 in gift cards for compensation.

Participant Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

-Identifies as female.
-Between the age of 18 and 65.
-Reports a sexual assault in the last 4 weeks to 1 year.
-Current PTSD severity of 23+ on the PSS-I-5.
-Current heavy alcohol use (2+ heavy episodic drinking occasions [4+ drinks on one occasion] in the past month).
-Access to the internet and a device with a webcam.

Exclusion Criteria:

-Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or organic mental disorder as defined by the DSM-5.
-Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, or depression severe enough to require immediate psychiatric treatment (i.e., serious suicide risk with intent and plan).
-Unwilling or unable to discontinue current trauma-focused psychotherapy or current substance use psychotherapy.
-Unstable dose of psychotropic medications in the prior 3 months.
-Ongoing intimate relationship with the perpetrator of most recent assault.
-Current diagnosis of a severe substance use disorder according to DSM-5, other than alcohol in the last month.
-No clear trauma memory.
-Current higher dose use of benzodiazepines (greater than the equivalent of 4 mg of lorazepam, 2 mg alprazolam, 1.5 mg clonazepam, or 20 mg of diazepam).

Contact

Project SARAH Research Coordinator
(206) 685-3617