Understanding how early life challenges affect brain development and substance use
Neurobehavioral mechanisms linking childhood social disadvantage with substance use trajectories in adolescence and adulthood
This research explores how growing up in difficult social and economic conditions might influence 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-11097162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
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). These studies have followed individuals from adolescence into adulthood, collecting detailed information about their lives, brain scans, and thinking abilities. Our goal is to see if childhood social disadvantages lead to changes in the brain and thinking skills that make someone more likely to use substances. By combining and analyzing this extensive data, we hope to better understand these connections and identify potential risk factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research uses existing data from individuals who participated in the ABCD study and the MCTFR, covering ages from childhood through adulthood.
Not a fit: Individuals not represented in the existing ABCD or MCTFR datasets would not directly contribute to this specific secondary data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to better support children from disadvantaged backgrounds and develop strategies to prevent substance use problems later in life.
How similar studies have performed: While much previous research on this topic has been limited, this project uses large, long-term datasets to provide a more comprehensive and robust understanding.
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.