An online game to help prevent alcohol use in teenagers

A Gamified Approach to Adolescent Alcohol Prevention that Strengthens Social Skills and Personal Values

NIH-funded research Prevention Strategies, LLC · NIH-11007957

This study is creating a fun online game for teens aged 13 to 15 that teaches them about the dangers of alcohol and helps them make better choices by showing them real-life situations and the benefits of positive friendships.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrevention Strategies, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Greensboro, United States)
Project IDNIH-11007957 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and test a prototype of an online game designed for adolescents aged 13 to 15 that focuses on preventing alcohol use and misuse. The game will engage players in scenarios that emphasize the importance of making positive social connections and avoiding high-risk behaviors. By simulating real-life situations, the game will help players understand the consequences of alcohol use and encourage them to pursue healthier lifestyles. The approach is based on empirical evidence highlighting the role of psychosocial factors in deterring alcohol use among adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13 to 15 who are at risk of alcohol use or are interested in learning about healthy lifestyle choices.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 13 to 15 or those who are not interested in alcohol prevention may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide an engaging tool for adolescents to learn about the risks of alcohol use and develop healthier social skills.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar gamified approaches in health education, indicating potential for this novel intervention.

Where this research is happening

Greensboro, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.