Self-management Apps with AI to Help Emerging Adults Reduce Substance Use and Costs
Official title: National Experiment of Self-management Applications for Rewarding my Choices (SARC) with AI, Contingency Management, & Technology Enhancements to Reduce Emerging Adult Substance Use, Overdose, & Costs
Funded at Chestnut Health Systems, INC. · NIH-11448904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-powered self-management program for 18- to 25-year-olds with substance use issues aims to reduce use, overdoses, and costs by delivering scalable, smartphone-based support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chestnut Health Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $896,399 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DA011323-20 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are 18-25 years old with a substance use disorder, especially in rural areas with limited access to traditional treatment, who are willing to use a smartphone-based self-management tool.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to a smartphone or who are unwilling to use digital self-management tools may receive limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project targets emerging adults with substance use disorders who may not be in treatment. It uses AI-driven, self-managed mobile tools to provide personalized support without requiring ongoing clinic visits. The approach builds on prior findings that mobile tools can lower risk and usage, while addressing engagement barriers unique to this age group and rural settings. If successful, it could offer a scalable option that fits into the everyday life of young adults who own smartphones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help reduce substance use and related harms for young adults by providing accessible, tech-based support.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest that mHealth self-management tools can reduce overdose risks and substance use, though engagement barriers remain for emerging adults.
Where this research is happening
-
Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dennis, Michael L. — Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dennis, Michael L.
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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.