An online game to help prevent alcohol use in teenagers
Official title: A Gamified Approach to Adolescent Alcohol Prevention that Strengthens Social Skills and Personal Values
Funded at Prevention Strategies, LLC · NIH-11007957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prevention Strategies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,860 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AA031941-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 13 to 15 or those who are not interested in alcohol prevention may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown success with similar gamified approaches in health education, indicating potential for this novel intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Prevention Strategies, LLC
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, William B. — Prevention Strategies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Hansen, William B.
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.