Understanding early influences on addiction risk
Official title: Neurocognitive, genetic and socioenvironmental influences on a developmental precursors to addiction: A cross-species study
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10984298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in your environment and your genes might affect the chances of developing substance use disorders, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding early signs of addiction before substance use starts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $346,911 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA061267-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who may exhibit early signs of behavioral issues related to substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with substance use disorders or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs). By examining behaviors that emerge before substance use begins, the study aims to identify potential early indicators of addiction. The research will utilize a combination of behavioral assessments and genomic analysis to explore the connections between neurocognitive development and addiction-related behaviors. Participants may contribute to understanding how their environment and genetics interact to influence their risk for SUDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of developing substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying early behavioral and genetic markers for addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neigh, Gretchen N — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Neigh, Gretchen N
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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.