How stress and nicotine affect alcohol consumption in adolescents

Adolescent Exposure to Stress or Nicotine Increases Rodent Alcohol Self-Administration

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10671050

This study looks at how stress and nicotine during teenage years might lead to drinking more alcohol later on, using young rats to understand how these factors affect the brain, with hopes of finding ways to help prevent alcohol problems in young people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10671050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to stress and nicotine during adolescence influences alcohol consumption behaviors. By using rodent models, the study examines the biological mechanisms that link these factors to increased alcohol self-administration. The researchers aim to understand how stress and nicotine alter brain function, particularly focusing on the role of glucocorticoid receptors and GABAergic circuitry. The findings could provide insights into preventing alcohol use disorders in young people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be exposed to stress or nicotine.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or who do not have exposure to stress or nicotine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for alcohol use disorders in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that stress and nicotine can influence alcohol consumption, but this study aims to explore these interactions in a more detailed and biologically relevant context.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.