How exploring new experiences affects alcohol use in teenagers
Official title: Neurodevelopment of exploration and alcohol problems in adolescence
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11063131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trying new foods, making friends, and exploring activities during the teenage years affects drinking habits and choices later in life, and it's for young people aged 13 to 21 who might be curious about how their experiences shape their decisions around alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,217 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030283-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13 to 21 who are experiencing or at risk for alcohol use issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 13 to 21 or do not have any history of alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the exploration of new foods, friends, and activities during adolescence influences alcohol use and preferences in adulthood. It focuses on understanding how adolescents who engage in underage drinking may experience a delay in developing effective decision-making skills related to exploration. The study will involve 135 participants aged 13 to 21, using advanced brain imaging techniques and daily assessments to track their alcohol use and exploration behaviors over time. By examining these factors, the research aims to uncover the relationship between novelty-seeking behaviors and alcohol problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for alcohol use problems in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the relationship between exploration and alcohol use can provide valuable insights, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hogeveen, Jeremy P — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Hogeveen, Jeremy P
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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.