Understanding how community challenges affect alcohol use in Appalachian teens

Risk and resilience pathways linking community adversity, decision making, and alcohol misuse: A prospective study of Appalachian adolescents

NIH-funded research West Virginia University · NIH-10662291

This study is looking at how tough situations in rural West Virginia affect teens' drinking habits and how things like community support and caffeine might help them make better choices about alcohol.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWest Virginia University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Morgantown, United States)
Project IDNIH-10662291 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between community adversity and alcohol misuse among adolescents in rural West Virginia. It focuses on how decision-making processes and protective factors can influence alcohol consumption behaviors in this population. By examining the impact of caffeine use and community support systems, the study aims to identify ways to mitigate the risks associated with early alcohol use. Participants will be monitored over time to assess changes in their alcohol use patterns and decision-making skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 living in rural areas of West Virginia, particularly those facing community adversity.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not residing in the Appalachian region may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce alcohol misuse among adolescents in disadvantaged communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the social and environmental factors influencing adolescent behavior can lead to effective prevention strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Morgantown, 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.