Understanding how symptoms like pain and anxiety lead to substance use in teenagers

The Symptom-Associated Pathway to Substance Use and Misuse during Adolescence

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10891439

This study is looking at how ongoing issues like pain, anxiety, and fatigue in teenagers might make them more likely to use drugs or alcohol, and it also wants to see how family and surroundings can help protect them from these risky behaviors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891439 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between persistent symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue during adolescence and the risk of substance use and misuse. It aims to identify specific symptom profiles that may indicate a higher vulnerability to these behaviors. The study also explores how family and environmental factors can influence these symptom trajectories and potentially protect adolescents from engaging in risky self-medication. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to develop effective interventions to prevent substance misuse among teens.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or do not experience persistent symptoms related to pain or psychological issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce substance use and misuse among adolescents experiencing persistent symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding symptom trajectories in adolescents can lead to effective prevention strategies for substance misuse, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-10 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.