How using alcohol and cannabis together affects behavior and brain function
Official title: Neurobehavioral Effects of Frequent Co-use of Alcohol and Cannabis
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10930803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using alcohol and cannabis together affects your brain and behavior, especially when you're feeling stressed, and it's for people who use one or both of these substances to help us understand the risks better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $711,640 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056137-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals who frequently use both alcohol and cannabis, as well as those who use either substance alone or do not use either.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use alcohol or cannabis may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on behavior and brain function. It aims to understand the differences in neural and hormonal responses to stress among individuals who use both substances compared to those who use only one or neither. Participants will undergo neuroimaging and complete assessments over a year to track their experiences with stress, cravings, and substance use. The study seeks to fill a knowledge gap regarding the risks associated with combined substance use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that combined substance use can lead to increased risks, but this specific investigation into neural and hormonal differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ansell, Emily B — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Ansell, Emily B
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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.