Exploring how environmental and psychosocial factors influence genetic risks for substance use disorders in Veterans
Official title: Understanding the role of modifiable environmental and psychosocial factors in moderating genetic risk for substance use disorders in Veterans
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-10924103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like your childhood experiences and support from friends and family can affect the chances of Veterans developing substance use disorders, especially when combined with their genetic background, to find ways to help reduce those risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2CX002817-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who may have a family history of substance use disorders or have experienced adverse environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or those who are not Veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how modifiable environmental and psychosocial factors, such as childhood experiences and social support, can influence the genetic risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) in Veterans. By utilizing advanced genetic methodologies, including polygenic risk scores derived from large-scale genome-wide association studies, the study aims to uncover the interactions between these factors and genetic predispositions. The goal is to better understand the complex causes of SUDs and identify potential protective factors that could help mitigate these risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and intervention strategies for Veterans at risk of substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the genetic and environmental interactions in substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Na, Peter — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Na, Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together in Veterans
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Mobile health support to help Veterans with substance use disorders function better after treatment
A smartphone app, based on Motivational Enhancement Therapy, is being developed to help Veterans stay on track and function better after leaving residential substance use treatment.
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.