A blended online and text-message program to stop early alcohol and cannabis use among first-year college students
Official title: A Hybrid Type 1 Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online and Text-Messaging Intervention to Prevent Alcohol and Cannabis Initiation, Escalation, and Consequences Among First-Year College Students
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11429427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, friendly program delivered online and by text messages aims to prevent teens in their first year of college from starting or increasing drinking and cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $701,015 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA033553-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
First-year college students who currently use alcohol and/or cannabis at light to moderate levels or abstain.
✕Less likely to help
Students who already engage in heavy use or have significant substance use disorders may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project targets first-year college students who aren’t heavy users yet, or who use lightly, to keep them from starting or escalating use of alcohol and cannabis. The study will test a tailored, early intervention delivered online with personalized feedback to help students with low or no prior use avoid future problems. It combines digital content with regular text messages to reinforce healthier choices and reduce related harms. The goal is to lower the risk of developing heavy drinking, cannabis dependence, and related adverse consequences as students transition to college life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help many students avoid starting or escalating use and reduce alcohol- and cannabis-related problems.
How similar studies have gone: Past PFIs reduced harm for heavy users but were less effective in preventing initiation among light users; this study tests a tailored approach for lighter use.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litt, Dana M. — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Litt, Dana M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.