How local job markets influence substance use in young and middle-aged adults
Official title: Local labor market contexts and substance use in young and middle adulthood: Using agent-based modeling to guide substance use prevention strategies
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10867401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how job opportunities in struggling areas, like Appalachia, affect substance use among young and middle-aged adults, and it aims to find ways to help communities reduce these issues by understanding the connection between work and substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $175,097 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA057514-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include young and middle-aged adults living in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly those experiencing substance use issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by substance use or who live in economically stable regions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between local labor market conditions and substance use among young and middle-aged adults, particularly in economically challenged areas like Appalachia. The project aims to understand how job availability and quality can impact substance use disorders and overdose rates. By employing agent-based modeling, the research will explore effective prevention strategies tailored to specific community contexts. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing substance use in their communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective substance use prevention strategies that are tailored to local economic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using agent-based modeling in this context is innovative, there is existing research that highlights the impact of economic conditions on substance use, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Sehun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Oh, Sehun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Preventing Suicide Among Teens Who Use Substances in School Settings
Aims to see if how schools respond to substance-use incidents (like alcohol or drugs) can lower suicide risk among high‑risk students.
-
People and Place: How geography affects HIV care and substance use in Los Angeles
Aims to understand how where you live in LA affects HIV care and substance use, and to adapt a proven intervention to help PLWH who use substances connect with better care.
-
A crowdsourced, survivor-led approach to boost HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose-prevention service use for sex trafficking survivors in NYC
A NYC-based study tests a survivor-driven digital messaging approach and at-home tests to help sex trafficking survivors increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and use overdose-prevention resources.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
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.