Adolescent and Young Adult Alcohol Exposure and Later Stress-Linked Anxiety
Official title: Adolescent/young adult alcohol exposure and subsequent vulnerability to stress induced anxiety
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-11313836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how drinking during adolescence or young adulthood might increase the risk of anxiety and stress-related problems later, especially in military-connected individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006152-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adolescents or young adults with a history of early binge drinking, especially those connected to military communities, and individuals at risk for affective disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of early alcohol exposure or related affective risks may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The grant focuses on how early alcohol use during adolescence affects brain development and vulnerability to anxiety when faced with stress, with a particular eye toward veterans and military personnel. Researchers use animal and human data to understand lasting changes in brain cells, immune responses, and behavior after adolescent drinking. The work aims to uncover mechanisms that link teen drinking to later mood disorders, which could guide prevention and treatment strategies for affected individuals. In short, it seeks to translate findings into ways to protect the mental health of young people who may later serve in high-stress environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies to reduce anxiety and mood disorders in people who started drinking early, including veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies in humans and animals show enduring brain and behavior changes after adolescent alcohol exposure, suggesting potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Healey, Kati Lynn — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Healey, Kati Lynn
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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.