Expressive Writing for Co-Occurring Depression and Alcohol Misuse

Expressive writing applied to a variety of populations (e.g., HIV, cancer, PTSD, depression) has been associated with health improvements, reductions in symptoms of emotional distress, and one preliminary study found reductions in alcohol misuse among college students. Data suggest that expressive writing is a technique to facilitate emotional processing that can influence a number of clinical outcomes by facilitating cognitive restructuring (Hunt, 1998; Pennebaker, 2004). In addition to examining cognitive content change following expressive writing, we believe the effects of emotional writing on mood and drinking may involve two additional processes that have been found significant for both depression and alcohol misuse, namely experiential avoidance and ruminative thinking. We hypothesize that expressive writing will lead to less drinking and enhanced mood by reducing: (1) negative thought content, (2) experiential avoidance of unpleasant private events (e.g., negative thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations), and (3) ruminative thinking.

***Please note that this study does not offer comprehensive treatment program for alcohol abuse or depression. Please do not contact the study staff if you are seeking psychological treatment. Further, this study is only enrolling people who are clients at Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., in Houston.

Inclusion criteria

• Enrolled in group therapy program at Career and Recovery Resources, Inc.
• Must be at least 18.
• Willing and able to participate in the study through the one month follow up.
• Able to provide the contact information of at least two people who can generally locate their whereabouts.
• Speak English fluently.

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to read, write, speak English.
• History of bipolar or psychotic disorders.
• Severe medical, cognitive and /or psychiatric impairment that precludes cooperation with study protocol.
• Substance withdrawal symptoms requiring medical attention.
• Currently receiving other individual psychosocial therapy outside of C&R for substance abuse or other psychiatric conditions with the exception of AA, NA or CA.
• Impending incarceration or other factor that would create inability or unwillingness to participate in the 6 week long study period (e.g., halfway house or other aftercare program restrictions).