Case report on the use of cognitive processing therapy-cognitive, enhanced to address heavy alcohol use

Abstract

There is a high rate of co-occurring alcohol dependence (AD) in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. CPT-Cognitive (CPT-C) is a modified form of CPT. This case report describes a 12-week course of CPT-C treatment, enhanced to address heavy alcohol use, in a combat veteran with PTSD and co-occurring AD. By treatment end, the veteran demonstrated clinically significant improvement in both PTSD symptoms and alcohol-related problems and sustained these gains 12-weeks posttreatment. The results indicate promise for the use of CPT-C, enhanced for heavy alcohol use, for individuals diagnosed with PTSD and AD.