Optimizing an online program to prevent substance use in high school seniors
Official title: Preventing Drug Use Onset and Progression toward Addiction during a CriticalTransition Period: Optimizing an Online Intervention for High School Seniors
Funded at Prevention Strategies, LLC · NIH-11134691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an online program to help high school seniors avoid using alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana during the important time right after graduation, by making it fun and relatable for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prevention Strategies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058697-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are high school seniors aged 17-18 who are at risk for substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in high school or are older than 20 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and enhance an online behavioral intervention designed to prevent and reduce substance use among high school seniors. It focuses on addressing the critical transition period when young adults are at increased risk for substance use, particularly after graduation. The intervention will utilize a combination of normative education and Human Centered Design to engage students and promote protective behaviors against alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. By involving key stakeholders in the design process, the program seeks to create a tailored approach that resonates with the target audience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of substance use among young adults, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions targeting substance use prevention in similar age groups have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Prevention Strategies, LLC
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rulison, Kelly Lin — Prevention Strategies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Rulison, Kelly Lin
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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.