Developing a mobile app to help young adults reduce alcohol and opioid use together
Official title: Targeting Alcohol-Opioid Co-Use Among Young Adults Using a Novel MHealth Intervention
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10888420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app to help young adults aged 18-25 who are dealing with both alcohol and opioid use, giving them real-time support and tools to better manage their substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $227,356 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AA029032-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 who have mild to moderate opioid use disorder and report regular alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or opioids, or those who are not within the specified age range, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create and test a mobile health (mHealth) app designed specifically for young adults aged 18-25 who struggle with both alcohol and opioid use. The app will utilize technology to provide support and interventions in real-time, helping users manage their substance use more effectively. By employing ecological momentary assessment, the study will gather data on the behaviors and triggers associated with alcohol-opioid co-use, allowing for a tailored approach to treatment. The goal is to reach young adults who are not currently receiving help for their substance use issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel tool for young adults to reduce their risk of overdose and improve their overall health by addressing both alcohol and opioid use simultaneously.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using mHealth interventions is gaining traction, targeting the specific co-use of alcohol and opioids in this age group is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miranda, Robert — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Miranda, Robert
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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.