Preventing alcohol addictions by addressing prenatal alcohol exposure

From FASD to AUDs: Strategies for Preventing Alcohol Addictions

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10908453

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect a child's future risk of developing problems with alcohol as an adult, and it aims to find ways to help prevent these issues by understanding how the brain develops in response to alcohol.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908453 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the link between prenatal alcohol exposure and the development of alcohol use disorders in adults. It aims to understand how preventing alcohol consumption during pregnancy can reduce the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in children, which in turn may help prevent alcohol-related issues in their adult lives. The study focuses on the biological mechanisms involved, particularly the role of non-protein-coding RNAs in brain development and alcohol response. By exploring these connections, the research seeks to develop effective strategies for reducing alcohol addiction risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who consume alcohol and their children, as well as adults with a history of alcohol use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of alcohol exposure or alcohol use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for alcohol use disorders, benefiting both children exposed to alcohol in utero and adults with a history of alcohol-related issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biological mechanisms of alcohol exposure and its effects, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Austin, 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.