Understanding the link between substance use and firearm injuries in young people
Official title: Substance Use and Firearm Injuries among Medicaid-enrolled Youth
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10811094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using alcohol and drugs might lead to gun injuries in young people aged 13 to 25 who are on Medicaid, especially focusing on those from communities of color, to help find better ways to prevent these injuries and support healthcare providers and policymakers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $563,724 |
| NIH project number | 1K18DA059913-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Medicaid-enrolled youth aged 13 to 25 who have experienced substance use or are at risk for firearm injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in Medicaid or who do not fall within the age range of 13 to 25 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how substance use, particularly alcohol and drugs, contributes to firearm injuries among youth aged 13 to 25 enrolled in Medicaid. By analyzing healthcare data from millions of young individuals, the study aims to identify patterns of substance use prior to firearm injuries and explore effective intervention strategies. The research emphasizes health equity, focusing on the disproportionate impact of firearm injuries on youth of color. Ultimately, the goal is to inform healthcare providers and policymakers on the best practices for preventing these injuries through targeted interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies that reduce firearm injuries among youth, particularly those with substance use issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing substance use can effectively reduce the risk of firearm injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hadland, Scott Evan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hadland, Scott Evan
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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.