Impact of COVID-19 on substance use among young adults in Washington State

Covid-19 pandemic and changes in the prevalence, patterns, and trajectories of substance use and related health risk outcomes among young adults in WA State

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10878788

This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way young adults in Washington State, ages 18-25, use substances like cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco, and it aims to understand how these changes might affect their health and safety.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced substance use behaviors among young adults aged 18-25 in Washington State. It aims to identify changes in the use of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco, as well as related health risk behaviors such as impaired driving. By analyzing data collected from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey over several years, the study will explore individual and community-level factors that contribute to these changes. The findings could help understand the long-term effects of the pandemic on young adult substance use patterns.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 living in Washington State who have experienced changes in their substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-25 or those who have not experienced any changes in substance use due to the pandemic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform interventions and policies aimed at reducing substance use and improving health outcomes for young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant changes in substance use patterns during the pandemic, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring untested territory.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.