Understanding and improving overdose prevention and treatment for high-risk adolescents
Official title: Informing national overdose prevention and treatment strategies for high-risk adolescents
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11055687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA062273-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or those who have not experienced any substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bushnell, Greta — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bushnell, Greta
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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.