Understanding how childhood experiences and brain development connect to substance use later in life
Neurobehavioral mechanisms linking childhood social disadvantage with substance use trajectories in adolescence and adulthood
This research explores how growing up in challenging social and economic situations might affect brain development and increase the likelihood of substance use in teenagers and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11369696 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand why people from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to struggle with substance use. Our team believes that early life experiences, including social inequality, can lead to changes in brain structure, function, and thinking abilities. These brain changes might then make someone more vulnerable to using substances. We are looking at existing information from two large groups of people, the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study and the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR), to see if these connections hold true over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals who experienced socioeconomic disadvantage in childhood and are interested in understanding how these factors may influence brain development and substance use patterns.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing childhood socioeconomic disadvantage or substance use may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us develop better ways to prevent substance use by identifying early risk factors and supporting healthy brain development in children facing social disadvantages.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored parts of this connection, this research uses large, long-term datasets to provide a more comprehensive and detailed understanding than earlier, smaller efforts.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Sylia — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Sylia
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.