How adolescent alcohol abuse affects stress and PTSD risk in adults

Adolescent Alcohol Abuse, Traumatic Stress, and Vulnerability to Development of PTSD

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10758204

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol as a teenager might affect your ability to handle stress and develop PTSD later in life, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of early alcohol use on mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10758204 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between adolescent alcohol abuse and the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. It aims to understand how early alcohol use impacts brain function and behavior, particularly in response to traumatic stress events. By examining the neurocircuitry involved, the study seeks to identify why individuals with a history of alcohol abuse during adolescence may struggle with stress resilience later in life. The research employs a combination of behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques to explore these connections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have a history of alcohol use and may be at risk for developing PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients who have not engaged in alcohol use during adolescence or who do not have a history of trauma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for PTSD and alcohol use disorder in adolescents and adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a strong link between adolescent alcohol use and later mental health issues, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, 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.
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.