NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving support for families affected by substance use disorders

Official title: Staffing and Supports for Implementing Cross-System Interventions with Peer Mentors

Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10986678 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at ways to make support programs better for parents in Ohio who are dealing with substance use issues, especially in rural areas, by helping the mentors who guide them stay in their jobs longer, so families can get the help they need and reunite with their kids.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 30, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$476,901
NIH project number1R61DA059893-01A1
Project IDNIH-10986678 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are families with children under 11 years old who are affected by parental substance use disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or are not involved in the child welfare system may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) in Ohio, which assist parents struggling with substance use disorders. By implementing a supervision coaching strategy, the project aims to improve the retention of family peer mentors who support these parents, ultimately helping them access treatment and reunify with their children. The study will evaluate how these changes impact the stability of the workforce and the overall success of the START program in addressing the needs of families affected by substance use. Families in rural and Appalachian areas, where resources are often limited, will be a key focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better support systems for families dealing with substance use disorders, improving outcomes for both parents and children.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar peer support interventions can be effective in improving outcomes for families affected by substance use disorders, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Ohio State University
    Columbus, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bunger, Alicia C — Ohio State University
  • Study coordinator: Bunger, Alicia C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.