Understanding the brain's role in alcohol use disorders and suicide among American Indians
Official title: Neural Basis of alcohol/substance use disorders and suicide in American Indians
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10559631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain function and community factors affect alcohol use and suicidal thoughts in American Indian communities, and it’s for people who want to help improve health and support for their communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $615,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA027316-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10559631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include American Indian individuals, both teens and adults, who are experiencing alcohol use disorders or suicidal thoughts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or who do not have issues related to alcohol use or suicidal behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms and risk factors associated with alcohol use disorders and suicidal behaviors in American Indian communities. By focusing on both individual and community-level influences, the study aims to uncover the biological and psychological factors that contribute to these issues. Participants will be involved in assessments that may include interviews, surveys, and biological measures to gather comprehensive data. The goal is to address significant health disparities faced by American Indians and provide insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for alcohol use disorders and suicide prevention in American Indian populations.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting American Indian populations, studies in other ethnic groups have shown success in identifying similar neural and psychological factors related to substance use and suicide.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehlers, Cindy L — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Ehlers, Cindy L
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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.