Testing a sleep medication for people with trauma and drinking challenges

This research study is testing a medication called suvorexant to see if it can help people who are struggling with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study focuses on how the medication affects sleep, because poor sleep often makes both conditions worse. Half of the participants will receive the medication and half will receive a placebo (inactive pill), so researchers can see if the medication really works.

Many people who experience trauma also struggle with drinking, and both conditions make sleep much worse. This medication might help break that cycle by improving sleep, which could reduce cravings to drink and ease trauma-related symptoms. The study will help doctors understand whether this treatment could help people recover from both conditions at the same time.