Understanding and reducing overdose risks in youth and young adults
The Youth Empowerment Study (YES)
This study is talking to young people, their parents, and healthcare providers to understand how they feel about the dangers of fake pills and opioids, so we can come up with helpful ways to keep youth safe from overdoses and teach them about drug safety and lifesaving tools like naloxone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11054860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the perceptions and experiences of adolescents and young adults regarding the risks associated with counterfeit pills and opioids. Through focus groups, the study aims to gather insights from young people, parents, and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies for overdose prevention. The goal is to co-create interventions that empower youth with knowledge about drug safety and access to lifesaving tools like naloxone. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this age group, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in overdose prevention efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 13-17 and young adults aged 18-25 who are at risk of opioid use or overdose.
Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 13-25 or those who do not engage in opioid use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of overdose among youth and young adults by providing them with essential knowledge and resources.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in developing overdose prevention strategies for adults, but this approach focusing specifically on youth is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagley, Sarah M — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bagley, Sarah M
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.