Understanding how trauma affects alcohol use in young people
Official title: Trauma and Neurobiological Threat Reactivity as Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse in Youth
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11036406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiencing trauma can affect young people aged 16 to 19 and increase their chances of having problems with alcohol, so we can find better ways to help those who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 10, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028225-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 16 to 19 who have experienced interpersonal trauma or are at risk for alcohol use problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 19 years old or have not experienced any form of interpersonal trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between exposure to interpersonal trauma and the risk of developing alcohol use problems in youth aged 16 to 19. It aims to identify the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to this risk, focusing on how young individuals react to unpredictable threats. By studying a cohort of 200 adolescents, some with a history of trauma and some without, the research seeks to pinpoint early intervention targets for preventing alcohol use disorders. The findings could help in developing tailored prevention strategies for at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for alcohol use disorders in adolescents who have experienced trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of trauma can lead to effective interventions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorka, Stephanie — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Gorka, Stephanie
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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.