Exploring how parents influence their children's substance use behaviors

Understanding the links between parental and adolescent substance use:complementary natural experiments using the children of twins design

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-11037925

This study looks at how parents' use of substances like marijuana affects their children's behavior, especially focusing on families with twins in Colorado and Minnesota, to better understand the mix of genetics and social influences that lead to substance use, which could help in creating better prevention and support programs for families.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11037925 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between parental substance use and the behaviors of their children, particularly focusing on marijuana use. By utilizing a unique approach that includes studying families with twins and comparing different state laws on marijuana, the research aims to uncover the genetic and social factors that contribute to substance use across generations. The study involves a large sample of families from Colorado and Minnesota, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how parental behaviors impact adolescent substance use. The findings could help inform prevention and intervention strategies for substance use disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include families with adolescents aged 12-20, particularly those with a history of substance use in parents.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a family history of substance use or are outside the age range of 12-20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention programs aimed at reducing substance use among adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding familial influences on substance use, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.