How childhood adversity affects smoking risk

Neurobehavioral mechanisms linking childhood adversity to increased risk for smoking

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11092128

This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might affect young adults' chances of smoking and using drugs, and it will explore how their brains respond to nicotine to help us understand this connection better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11092128 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence the likelihood of smoking and substance use disorders. It focuses on young adults with varying histories of ACEs and examines the brain mechanisms that may contribute to increased smoking risk. Participants will undergo neuroimaging and receive nicotine nasal spray to assess their reactions and the reinforcing effects of nicotine. The goal is to better understand the relationship between childhood adversity and smoking behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 21 and older with a history of adverse childhood experiences.

Not a fit: Patients without a history of adverse childhood experiences or those who are already regular smokers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions for individuals at risk of smoking due to childhood adversity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobehavioral mechanisms of addiction can lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.