Understanding how anxiety affects substance use in teenagers

Developmental Pathophysiology of Adverse Patterns of Substance Use in Adolescents with Anxiety

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11081035

This study is looking at how anxiety and stress might affect the way teens aged 12 to 20 use substances, like alcohol or drugs, to help find better ways to support young people who are at risk of developing these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11081035 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between anxiety symptoms and patterns of substance use in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By examining biomarkers related to neural connectivity and stress responses, the study aims to identify how these factors contribute to substance use disorders. The approach includes assessing physiological responses during stress tasks and analyzing brain activity to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The goal is to develop targeted interventions that can help prevent substance use in at-risk youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who exhibit symptoms of anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents with anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between anxiety and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.