AAT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans

The proposed study will test a novel treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD) to determine if it helps Veterans reduce their hazardous drinking and recover from alcohol-related functional impairments across social, occupational, and domestic domains. To do so, the investigators will evaluate clinical, cognitive, and neural effects of a computer-delivered Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) treatment - which changes implicit tendencies to approach alcohol-related cues - in conjunction with standard VA care. The project will support RR\&D's mission to improve Veterans' participation in their lives and community by determining if this innovative alternative technique can improve recovery outcomes for Veterans with AUD and exploring how the intervention works.

Inclusion Criteria: * fluent in English * primary diagnosis of alcohol use disorders (AUD) with no more than 90 days abstinence from alcohol * 4-week stability if taking psychotropic medications Exclusion Criteria: * lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar disorder * neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders * history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition * sensory deficits that would preclude completing tasks * suicidal or homicidal ideation within the past month necessitating urgent higher level care * concurrent individual psychotherapy or other treatment outside of standard DDRP programming * conditions unsafe for completing MRI scanning for those completing the scanning component only (e.g., metal in body)