How social influences affect substance use choices in adolescents
Social influences on choices in adolescent substance use
This study looks at how friends can affect the choices teenagers make about using drugs or alcohol, focusing on young people aged 12 to 20, to see how some might be more influenced by their peers while others can resist those pressures over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11003713 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how peer influences impact the decision-making processes related to substance use among adolescents aged 12 to 20. By utilizing a combination of longitudinal studies, functional neuroimaging, and behavioral economic models, the research aims to understand both the positive and negative effects of social interactions on substance use behaviors. The study will explore how individual differences in susceptibility to peer pressure can lead to either increased risk or resilience against substance use over time. Participants will be monitored to assess changes in their substance use and how these changes may influence their susceptibility to social influences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are at risk for substance use or are currently engaging in substance use behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not involved in substance use behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions that help adolescents make healthier choices regarding substance use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding social influences can significantly improve interventions aimed at reducing substance use among adolescents, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casas, Brooks — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Casas, Brooks
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.