How social networks affect substance use in young adults
Official title: The impact of longitudinal social networks on young adult substance use and misuse
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-10862706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how friendships during teenage years affect substance use as young people grow up, aiming to find ways to help them make healthier choices about drugs and alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057450-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who are navigating social relationships and substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the age range of 12 to 20 or who do not engage in substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the structure and stability of social networks during adolescence influence substance use and misuse as individuals transition into adulthood. By analyzing data from a long-term study that followed young people in rural communities, the project aims to identify key factors that contribute to healthy substance use trajectories. The research will create a dataset that maps friendships over time, allowing for a deeper understanding of how peer relationships impact substance use behaviors. This approach seeks to uncover patterns that could inform prevention strategies for substance misuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for substance misuse among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer relationships significantly influence substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmillan, Cassie Leigh — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Mcmillan, Cassie Leigh
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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.