Understanding how adolescent binge drinking changes brain chemistry
Official title: Neuromolecular consequences of adolescent binge drinking
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11380700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how heavy drinking during teen years alters brain cells and could lead to lasting problems, with a focus on the stress response system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2013 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $375,489 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA021517-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Teens and young adults who have engaged in binge drinking or are at risk of such exposure; individuals aged 12-20.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals with no exposure to alcohol or no interest in brain research.
What this research studies
The study focuses on teens and young adults who may be exposed to alcohol to understand immediate cellular changes and how these set the stage for long-term effects on brain function. It examines how alcohol affects the glucocorticoid receptor and related molecular pathways that control the cell’s response to stress. Using human-relevant models, the research aims to connect early cellular changes with later behavioral outcomes. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to targeted strategies to prevent lasting neurobiological damage from adolescent alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how teen drinking could alter brain biology might lead to new prevention or treatment options for alcohol-related brain harm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked adolescent alcohol use to long-term brain changes; the proposed work seeks to clarify immediate cellular events.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pak, Toni R. — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pak, Toni R.
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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.