Exploring how substance use affects adolescents and their chances of entering the criminal justice system.

Adolescent substance use as determinant and consequence of the school-to-prison pipeline: Disentangling individual risk, social determinants, and group disparities

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10554323

This study looks at how using drugs or alcohol during teenage years can affect young people's chances of getting into trouble with the law instead of getting a good education, especially for those from different backgrounds, and it aims to find ways to help at-risk youth do better in school and avoid substance use.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10554323 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between adolescent substance use and the school-to-prison pipeline, which refers to policies that increase the likelihood of youth entering the criminal justice system instead of receiving proper education. By examining individual, school, and community factors, the study aims to identify how substance use can both contribute to and result from these systemic issues. The research employs advanced quantitative methods to analyze nested data and causal relationships, focusing on disparities related to race and LGBTQ status. The findings could inform policies aimed at reducing substance use and improving educational outcomes for at-risk youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults, particularly those at risk for substance use and involvement with the justice system.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or young adults, or those who do not have issues related to substance use or justice system involvement, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and policies that reduce substance use and prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in addressing similar issues related to substance use and educational outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful impact.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological 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.