How a spouse's mental health affects their partner's alcohol use problems
Official title: A genetically informative approach to understanding the impact of spousal psychiatric disorders on alcohol use disorder onset, remission, and relapse
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10893483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $353,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030996-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing alcohol use disorder who have spouses with psychiatric disorders or substance use issues.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salvatore, Jessica E — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Salvatore, Jessica E
Related research
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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.