Understanding how peer influence affects substance use in teenagers
Neurobiological susceptibility to peer influence and drug use in adolescence
This study is looking at why some teenagers are more influenced by their friends when it comes to using substances like alcohol and marijuana, and it will explore how their brains respond to social situations to help find better ways to support young people in making healthier choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093314 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates why some adolescents are more susceptible to peer influence regarding substance use, such as alcohol and marijuana. It aims to identify the neural mechanisms that contribute to this susceptibility by examining brain connectivity related to social rewards and executive control. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study will analyze how these neural processes interact with adolescents' perceptions of their peers' behaviors. The goal is to uncover critical insights that could inform effective interventions to reduce substance use among youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are at risk of substance use or are influenced by their peers.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in the age range of 12 to 20 or who do not engage in substance use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help prevent substance use in adolescents by addressing their susceptibility to peer influence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding peer influence and substance use, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Telzer, Eva Haimo — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Telzer, Eva Haimo
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.