Program Reviews

VetChange

Program Overview

VetChange is a web-based program tailored for Veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF), designed to assist with the self-management of problem drinking and PTSD symptoms.

To reduce alcohol use and PTSD symptoms, VetChange uses a combination of motivational interviewing, self-control training, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Over eight weekly sessions, VetChange teaches Veterans techniques to improve coping skills and manage high risk internal and external situations that may trigger alcohol use or exacerbate PTSD symptoms. In the final sessions Veterans can personalize the program and focus on their most relevant problems, as well as build social support systems.

Link to commercial site here.

Last Updated: 2/15/2024

Delivery:
Web-based

Theoretical Approaches:
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Self-Control Training

Target Substance(s):
Alcohol

Target Outcome(s):
Frequency
Severity
Improve management of PTSD Symptoms

Ages:
Young Adults (18-30)
Adults (30+)

Genders:
Male
Female

Races/Ethnicities:
Caucasian
Hispanic/Latino
African American
Asian American
Native American
Asian American

Setting:
Unspecified

Geographic Location:
USA

Language:
English

Evaluations

  • Brief DJ, Rubin A, Keane TM, Enggasser JL, Roy M, Helmuth E, Hermos J, Lachowicz M, Rybin D, Rosenbloom D. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 2013. 81(5): 890-900. PMID: 23875821.

    Summary: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of VetChange in a sample of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans. Using a Facebook advertisement, 600 Veterans were recruited and randomized. All participants had alcohol use problems. Participants were randomized to either a Immediate Intervention Group (IIG) or to a Delayed Intervention Group (DIG). Participants in the IIG had immediate access to VetChange and those in the DIG group had access after an eight week delay. Alcohol use and PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of VetChange, and three months post-completion. In total, 40% of participants completed all three assessments, and rates of VetChange completion were similar across the two groups. Approximately 34% of IIG participants completed all eight sessions, while 39% of the DIG participants completed the program. After accessing VetChange, the IIG had greater decreases in drinks per day, average weekly drinks, and PTSD symptoms, compared to the DIG who had not yet utilized VetChange. After completing VetChange, the DIG also had significant decreases in drinks per day, average weekly drinks, and PTSD symptoms.

    Take Away: Use of the VetChange program is associated with decreases in alcohol use and PTSD symptoms among OEF/OIF Veterans with problem drinking.

  • Study Design: Experimental

    Study Type: Feasibility

    Sample Size: N = 222

    Demographics:

    Age
    Adult: 36.03 (Range 22-57)

    Gender
    Female: 22.5%
    Male: 77.5%
    Transgender: Not reported
    Non-Binary+: Not reported

    Race
    White: 78.4%
    Black: 3.2%
    Asian: 0.4%
    American Indian or Alaska Native: 2.3%
    Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%
    >1 race: 6.3%
    Other: 0.9%
    Unknown: 3.2%

    Ethnicity
    Hispanic: 4.9%

  • Differential alcohol treatment response by gender following use of VetChange. Livingston NA, Simpson T, Lehavot K, et al. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2021;221:108552. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108552

    Public implementation of a web-based program for veterans with risky alcohol use and PTSD: A RE-AIM evaluation of VetChange. Enggasser JL, Livingston NA, Ameral V, et al. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2021;122:108242. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108242

    Changes in alcohol use, PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, and intervention dropout following veterans’ use of VetChange.Livingston NA, Mahoney CT, Ameral V, et al. Addict Behav. 2020;107:106401. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106401

    Kramer J, Rubin A, Coster W, Hermos J, Rosenbloom D, Moed R, Dooley M, Kao YC, Liljenquist K, Brief D, Enggasser J, Keane T, Roy M, Lachowicz M. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research. 2014. 23(1): 120-129. PCMID: PMC4070377.