Adolescent drinking and its effects on the brain and hormones in teens and young adults
Official title: Adolescent alcohol exposure: impact on neuronal activation, steroids, and metabolomic profiles
Funded at North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-11416535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant investigates how binge drinking during adolescence affects brain activity, sex hormones, and metabolic profiles, with a focus on differences between males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $141,912 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149485-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescents and young adults (roughly ages 12–20 and 21+ in related analyses) who are or were exposed to alcohol during adolescence.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of adolescent alcohol exposure or those outside the studied age ranges may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
The project explores how alcohol exposure during adolescence changes brain signals and hormone receptors in key brain regions, using mouse models to mirror teen development. It looks at how withdrawal and re-exposure to alcohol alter neuronal activation and sex steroid pathways over time, with attention to differences between sexes. By examining metabolic changes alongside brain and hormonal changes, the study aims to map lasting effects that could increase the risk of later alcohol problems. The findings could inform prevention strategies and timing for interventions tailored to adolescents and emerging adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could improve understanding of why adolescent drinking leads to lasting brain and hormonal changes, guiding prevention and treatment approaches for teens and young adults at risk for alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown sex-specific brain and behavioral changes after adolescent alcohol exposure, suggesting this approach could reveal actionable differences in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maldonado-Devincci, Antoinette Michelle — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Maldonado-Devincci, Antoinette Michelle
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.