Rural programs to prevent and treat substance use in young women
Official title: Rural Drug Addiction Research (RDAR) Center - Phase 2
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11335632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Programs and tools are being developed to help reduce cravings and stop substance use from escalating in young women living in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,320,166 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM130461-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are young women living in rural areas who use drugs or alcohol, particularly those who report substance use tied to sexual situations or who have mood or anxiety symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Men, older adults, people not living in or connected to rural communities, or those needing immediate inpatient detox are unlikely to benefit directly from these prevention-focused efforts.
What this research studies
This center focuses on understanding and stopping patterns of substance use that often start or get worse in young women, especially when drug use is linked with sex or triggered by stress. Researchers will combine studies of mood and anxiety symptoms, cravings, and real-life triggers to find points where brief interventions could break the cycle. The work includes developing and testing practical tools (including digital apps) and pilot interventions tailored for rural communities. Multiple projects under the center will work together to move promising approaches toward real-world use for women at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could produce targeted prevention and treatment options that lower cravings and reduce the chance that young rural women develop long-term substance problems.
How similar studies have gone: Some women-focused and digital interventions have shown promise for reducing cravings, but targeting sex-linked substance use and integrated mood–craving networks in rural young women is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bevins, Rick a — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Bevins, Rick a
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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.