The purpose of this study is to determine whether oxytocin will decrease craving to use drugs/alcohol and stress reactivity following exposure to laboratory-induced stress among Active Duty Service Members with a dual diagnosis of alcohol/substance use disorder (ASUD) and post-traumatic anxiety.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether intra-nasally administered oxytocin will decrease craving to use alcohol and stress reactivity following exposure to laboratory-induced stress among Active Duty Service Members (AD SMs) with a dual diagnosis of alcohol/substance use disorder (ASUD) and post-traumatic anxiety (i.e., PTSD or anxiety disorder NOS). This is a 2-arm placebo controlled study. Subjects will complete a battery of self-report questionnaires and behavioral interviews. Baseline assessments of subjective (craving, stress), physiologic (HR, BP), and neuroendocrine measures (salivary cortisol) will be collected. These same assessments will be repeatedly collected throughout the testing portion of the study. Subjects will receive acute administration of intra-nasal oxytocin or placebo and will then be exposed to a laboratory-induced social stressor. They will be asked to give a short speech and perform arithmetic in front of a panel of judges. Following the task, additional post-task assessments of the subjective, physiological, and neuroendocrine measures will be completed over the next hour.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
63
Naval Medical Center San Diego
San Diego, California, United States
Change in Craving to Use Alcohol Rating (Visual Analog Scale)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a horizontal line of fixed 100 mm length. The ends are defined as the extreme limits of the parameter from the left (least) to the right (most). Subjects mark the point on the line that represents their perception of the parameter. The score is determined by measuring in millimeters from the left end of the line to the point that the patient marks. The score range is 0-100, with higher scores indicating higher cravings.
Time frame: Change from baseline to post-drug at 20 minutes
Change in Stress Rating (Visual Analog Scale)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a horizontal line of fixed 100 mm length. The ends are defined as the extreme limits of the parameter from the left (least) to the right (most). Subjects mark the point on the line that represents their perception of the parameter. The score is determined by measuring in millimeters from the left end of the line to the point that the patient marks. The score range is 0-100, with higher scores indicating higher stress.
Time frame: Change from baseline to post-drug at 20 minutes
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