Helping adolescents from underserved communities make better decisions to avoid substance misuse
Official title: Improving Decision Making to Prevent Substance Misuse among Adolescents from Traditionally Underserved Communities
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-10907646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help teenagers in low-income neighborhoods avoid using drugs or alcohol by improving their decision-making skills and memory, especially for those who have faced tough times in childhood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $229,073 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA056732-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 years old from low-income or traditionally underserved communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the age range of 12 to 20 years or who are not from underserved communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing substance misuse among adolescents living in low-income neighborhoods who are at higher risk due to early childhood adversity. It aims to identify effective interventions that can be easily implemented in these communities. The study will explore the relationship between decision-making processes, particularly delay discounting, and substance use behaviors. By utilizing computer-based tools, the research seeks to enhance working memory and decision-making skills in youth, potentially reducing their risk of substance misuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention strategies that help adolescents avoid substance misuse and improve their overall decision-making skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive interventions to improve decision-making and reduce substance use risk among adolescents, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felton, Julia W — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Felton, Julia W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions
This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
-
NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Shared decision-making to prevent cancer in South Africa
A multi-level, school-based program in South Africa helps families, teachers, and health workers make informed choices to prevent cervical and related cancers, especially where HIV is common.
-
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.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
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.