in patients with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and AUD, IN OXT attenuated cortisol reactivity in response to a stress provocation (Flanagan et al., 2018). Further, IN OXT treatment decreased alcohol withdrawal symptoms in treatment-seeking patients compared to placebo and significantly reduced anxiety in dependent subjects following cessation of drinking (Pedersen, 2017, Pedersen et al., 2013). Taken together, OXT treatment may be a useful therapeutic to reduce stress-related physiological responses (e.g. anxiety, craving) relevant to drug and alcohol use and relapse, though future studies are necessary in alcohol and drug dependent populations.
