How disasters affect drug use and health outcomes
Official title: Direct and Indirect Effects of Disasters on Drug-Related Outcomes
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10985327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different disasters affect people's health related to drug use, both for individuals and communities, to help us understand the connection between tough times and substance use problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,857 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059826-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced a disaster and are facing substance use challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any disasters or do not have substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of various disasters on drug-related health outcomes, focusing on both individual and community levels. By analyzing a comprehensive database of disaster declarations and combining it with mortality and drug use data, the study aims to uncover patterns and mechanisms linking disasters to substance use issues. The research employs quasi-experimental methods to provide a more generalized understanding of these effects over time, rather than focusing on single events. This approach will help identify how disasters influence drug dependence and related health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions for individuals affected by disasters, particularly in managing substance use and dependence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown varying impacts of disasters on health outcomes, but this study aims to provide a more comprehensive analysis that has not been extensively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vuolo, Michael C — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Vuolo, Michael C
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.