How exploring new experiences affects alcohol use in teenagers

Neurodevelopment of exploration and alcohol problems in adolescence

NIH-funded research University of New Mexico · NIH-11063131

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of New Mexico NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albuquerque, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063131 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13 to 21 who are experiencing or at risk for alcohol use issues.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Albuquerque, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.