Understanding how life stress, substance use, and the justice system connect from teen years to adulthood

Life stress exposures, substance use, and justice system involvement from adolescence to adulthood: Identifying protective factors in a US national cohort study

['FUNDING_R01'] · PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE · NIH-11086722

This project looks at how stressful life events, drug and alcohol use, and involvement with the justice system are connected for young people and adults, hoping to find ways to help.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OAKLAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11086722 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project explores why some young adults, particularly those aged 18-25, face higher rates of incarceration, often linked to substance use. We know that many people involved with the justice system have experienced significant life stress. This work aims to understand how different types of stress, from childhood through adulthood, might lead to substance use and, in turn, involvement with the justice system. By looking at existing information from a large national health study, we hope to identify key moments where support and interventions could make a real difference.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project uses existing data from a national study that followed individuals from adolescence into adulthood, focusing on those who experienced life stress, substance use, and justice system involvement.

Not a fit: Patients not experiencing life stress, substance use issues, or involvement with the justice system may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular analysis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify critical opportunities to intervene and support young people and adults to reduce substance use and justice system involvement.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous research that has shown connections between adverse childhood experiences and negative health outcomes, but it uniquely examines adult stress exposures and their relevance to incarceration through substance use.

Where this research is happening

OAKLAND, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.