Understanding how young adults reduce problem drinking as they mature
Neural mechanisms of maturing out of problem alcohol use
This study is looking at how the brains of young adults aged 21 to 25 change as they move away from heavy drinking, and it aims to find out what helps some people cut back on alcohol while others have a harder time.
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-10880546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain changes that occur in young adults as they transition out of problem alcohol use, a process known as 'maturing out'. By recruiting 400 individuals aged 21 to 25 who have experienced binge drinking, the study will utilize advanced magnetic resonance imaging to explore how neural development influences drinking behaviors. The goal is to identify the neurobiological factors that differentiate those who successfully reduce their alcohol consumption from those who continue to struggle. Participants will undergo various imaging scans to assess brain regions related to emotion, reward, and cognitive control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 to 25 who have engaged in binge drinking at least once a month for the past three months.
Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in binge drinking or are outside the age range of 21 to 25 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help young adults reduce harmful drinking behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of maturing out of problem drinking is established, this study is novel as it directly examines the neurobiological processes involved in this transition.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardee, Jillian Elizabeth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Hardee, Jillian Elizabeth
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.