Investigating how music engagement may help prevent substance use in adolescents
Official title: Establishing if Music Engagement is a Protective Factor in Adolescent Substance Use Using Existing Longitudinal, Genetic, and Environmental Datasets
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11163515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being involved in music might help teenagers avoid using drugs or alcohol, especially for those who might be at higher risk, and it hopes to find ways to use music as a positive tool for prevention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059804-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for substance use due to genetic or environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or who do not have any risk factors for substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of music engagement as a potential protective factor against substance use in adolescents. By analyzing existing longitudinal datasets that include genetic and environmental information, the study aims to determine whether involvement in music can reduce the likelihood of early substance use behaviors. The researchers will examine how music engagement interacts with genetic and environmental risks, potentially identifying specific benefits for at-risk youth. The findings could lead to new intervention strategies that leverage music as a tool for prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into using music engagement as a preventive measure against adolescent substance use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the benefits of music engagement in various social and emotional contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gustavson, Daniel — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Gustavson, Daniel
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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.