Understanding how symptoms in teens lead to substance use
The Symptom-Associated Pathway to Substance Use and Misuse during Adolescence
This research helps us understand why teenagers with pain, anxiety, or fatigue might start using substances, so we can find better ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many young people experience ongoing pain, anxiety, or tiredness, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviors like using prescription drugs or other substances. We want to learn how these symptoms develop in childhood and adolescence, and how family and surroundings play a role. By understanding these connections, we hope to identify early signs of vulnerability. Our goal is to discover the best ways to prevent or reduce substance use among teens who are struggling with persistent symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adolescents experiencing persistent pain, anxiety, fatigue, or similar symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or do not experience these specific symptoms may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect adolescents from developing substance use problems linked to their symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: This research aims to fill gaps in our current understanding of how symptoms and environmental factors contribute to substance use in teens, suggesting it explores novel connections.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Voepel-Lewis, Terri Diane — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Voepel-Lewis, Terri Diane
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.