Social supports to prevent opioid use in youth experiencing homelessness
Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of OUD among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: An RCT Examining Biopsychosocial Mechanisms
This project tests different support programs for homeless youth aged 14–24 to help reduce opioid and other substance use and improve mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160460 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are 14–24 and use the Star House drop-in center, you could join a randomized program that gives different types of help. Participants (N=300) are randomly assigned to motivational interviewing with community reinforcement, strengths-based outreach and advocacy, both together, or the usual services at the drop-in center. The study uses a dismantling design so researchers can pinpoint which parts of the combined approach actually help. Staff will meet with participants at Star House and follow them over time to track substance use, mental health, and social supports.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 14–24 who are currently experiencing homelessness or using drop-in services and who may be at risk for or using substances.
Not a fit: People older than 24, not experiencing homelessness, or those needing immediate inpatient addiction treatment are unlikely to benefit from this prevention-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower opioid and other substance use and improve mental health and supports for youth experiencing homelessness.
How similar studies have performed: Motivational interviewing and outreach approaches have shown promise in reducing substance use among homeless youth, but testing their individual and combined effects in a dismantling randomized trial is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Jodi L. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ford, Jodi L.
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 below.