Understanding social networks to prevent substance use in American Indian youth
Official title: Tribal Adolescent Connections Study - R01
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11056080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how friendships and social connections among American Indian teens can affect their choices about things like drugs and violence, and it aims to find ways to use these relationships to help keep them safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,293 |
| NIH project number | 5R37DA060108-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are American Indian adolescents aged 12-20 living on or near the Northern Plains reservation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12-20 or those not part of the American Indian community may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social networks among American Indian adolescents influence their risk behaviors, particularly regarding substance use and exposure to violence. By collecting both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the study aims to understand the structure and dynamics of these networks within the context of cultural practices. The goal is to identify how these interpersonal relationships can be leveraged to create effective prevention strategies tailored to the unique needs of American Indian communities. The research will take place on a Northern Plains reservation, focusing on adolescents aged 12-20.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to culturally relevant prevention strategies that significantly reduce substance misuse among American Indian youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social networks can play a crucial role in influencing risk and resilience in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this culturally adapted approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanich, Jerreed Dean — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ivanich, Jerreed Dean
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.