Understanding how adolescent alcohol exposure affects the adult brain
Official title: 1/8 NADIA U01 Effects of Adolescent Alcohol Exposure on Hippocampal Function in Adulthood
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11231399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how drinking alcohol during teenage years can change the brain and behavior in adulthood, and looks for ways to prevent or reverse these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2010 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,681 |
| NIH project number | 7U01AA019925-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11231399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for individuals interested in the long-term effects of adolescent alcohol exposure on brain health and behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Our team is working to understand the lasting effects of alcohol exposure during adolescence on brain function, especially in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is important for memory and emotions. We've found that adolescent alcohol use can lead to inflammation in the brain, changes in brain cell connections, and alterations in how genes are expressed. These changes can make someone more prone to anxiety-like behaviors later in life. We are also excited to have found that some of these effects might be reversible using medicines already available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat the long-term brain and behavioral problems, such as anxiety and alcohol use disorder, that can arise from adolescent drinking.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive focus, some related studies have shown that certain brain changes can be reversed with existing medications.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marshall, Simon Alexander — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Marshall, Simon Alexander
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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.