Understanding and improving overdose prevention and treatment for high-risk adolescents

Informing national overdose prevention and treatment strategies for high-risk adolescents

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11055687

This study is looking into the growing problem of drug overdoses in teens, especially those that don't end in death, to find out which drugs are involved and how we can better help young people after these incidents, with the goal of preventing future overdoses.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11055687 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the rising issue of drug overdoses among adolescents, particularly focusing on nonfatal overdoses treated in emergency departments. It aims to identify the specific drugs involved, especially those adulterated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl, and to assess the treatment options available to adolescents following these incidents. By analyzing the gaps in behavioral health care and the timing of interventions, the research seeks to develop strategies that can effectively reduce the risk of future overdoses. The approach includes evaluating the epidemiology of drug use and the effectiveness of behavioral therapies tailored for adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents under 21 years old who have experienced a nonfatal drug overdose or are at high risk for substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 21 years old or those who have not experienced any substance use issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies that significantly reduce overdose rates and enhance the overall health outcomes for adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in addressing adolescent substance use and overdose prevention, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful impact.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.