Improving policies to help adolescents with substance use issues
Official title: Using policy codesign to achieve multi-sector alignment in adolescent behavioral health
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11077832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to help teenagers struggling with substance use by bringing together different groups in the community to work on solutions that really fit their needs, starting in Washington State and hoping to help others too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA058806-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults experiencing substance use disorders, particularly those living in the targeted counties in Washington State.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the participating counties or who do not have substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing effective policies to address adolescent substance use disorders by engaging multiple sectors and communities. It utilizes a method called Policy Codesign, which involves collaboration among stakeholders to identify barriers and create solutions tailored to local needs. The process includes stages such as values mapping, information gathering, and prototyping to ensure that policies are practical and evidence-based. By working closely with communities in Washington State, the research aims to create a framework that can be replicated in other areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective policies that significantly reduce adolescent substance use and improve overall behavioral health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise for the Policy Codesign approach, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Sarah Cusworth — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Walker, Sarah Cusworth
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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.