How early life challenges affect substance use in teenagers
Effects of Early Life Adversity on Substance Use Problems in Adolescents: Biobehavioral Risk Mechanisms
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like trauma or family problems, can lead to substance use issues in teenagers, and it aims to understand how these early challenges affect their emotions and behaviors, which could help find better ways to support young people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10879085 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life adversity, such as trauma and family dysfunction, on the development of substance use disorders in adolescents. It aims to understand the biological and behavioral mechanisms that link these early experiences to increased risks of substance use. By examining inflammatory processes in the brain, the study seeks to identify how these factors contribute to emotional dysregulation and self-medicating behaviors in teenagers. The findings could provide insights into prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced early life adversity.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for adolescents at risk of substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between early life adversity and substance use is well-established, the specific neuroimmune mechanisms proposed in this research have not been empirically tested before.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Uma — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Rao, Uma
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 below.