How a spouse's mental health affects their partner's alcohol use problems

A genetically informative approach to understanding the impact of spousal psychiatric disorders on alcohol use disorder onset, remission, and relapse

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10893483

This study looks at how one partner's mental health issues or substance use can affect the drinking habits of their spouse, helping us understand how these challenges can influence each other in couples dealing with alcohol use disorder.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10893483 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how psychiatric disorders and substance use in one spouse can influence the onset, remission, and relapse of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in their partner. By examining these relationships within a genetically informative framework, the study aims to understand not just the social transmission of behaviors but also the genetic factors that may play a role. The researchers will analyze existing data to explore how various psychiatric conditions, such as depression and ADHD, in one partner can impact the alcohol-related outcomes of the other. This approach seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics within couples dealing with AUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing alcohol use disorder who have spouses with psychiatric disorders or substance use issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a partner or whose partners do not have any psychiatric disorders or substance use issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with alcohol use disorder by considering the influence of their partner's mental health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that spousal influences can significantly affect alcohol use behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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 Antisocial Personality DisorderAttention deficit hyperactivity 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.