NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding the factors that lead to problematic alcohol use in young people

Official title: A rigorous test of dual process model predictions for problematic alcohol involvement

Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10932191 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at why some people under 21 have trouble with alcohol, focusing on how their cravings for alcohol and their ability to control those cravings work together, to help find better ways to prevent and address alcohol problems in young people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$662,533
NIH project number5R01AA030914-02
Project IDNIH-10932191 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may be experiencing problematic alcohol use or are at risk for developing such issues.

Less likely to help

Patients who are over 21 years old or do not engage in alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind problematic alcohol involvement (PAI) in individuals under 21 years of age. It focuses on the interaction between two cognitive systems: the desire for alcohol and the ability to control that desire. By using advanced neurobehavioral assessments, the study aims to better understand individual differences in these traits and how they contribute to alcohol-related issues. The goal is to refine existing models to improve predictions and inform more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for young individuals struggling with alcohol use.

How similar studies have gone: While the Dual Process Model has been influential, previous studies have not consistently supported its main hypotheses, making this research a novel attempt to refine and validate the model.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Iowa
    Iowa City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bartholow, Bruce D — University of Iowa
  • Study coordinator: Bartholow, Bruce D

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.