Understanding the negative effects of alcohol and drugs on families and communities
Official title: Secondhand Harms from Alcohol & Drugs: Impacts on Families and Communities across the US
Funded at Public Health Institute · NIH-10892891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the negative effects of alcohol and drug use impact families, friends, and communities, especially during tough times like the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it wants to hear from people about their experiences to help create better support and solutions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Public Health Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $726,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029001-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals affected by the substance use of others, such as family members, friends, or community members who have experienced secondhand harms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any connection to substance use or are not affected by the behaviors of others may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how secondhand harms from alcohol and drugs affect individuals and communities, particularly focusing on the impacts on families, friends, and neighbors. It aims to gather comprehensive data through a nationwide survey that assesses the prevalence and severity of these harms, especially in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing self-reported experiences, the study seeks to inform policies and programs designed to mitigate these harms and improve community health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better policies and interventions that protect families and communities from the negative impacts of substance use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully examined alcohol's harms to others, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established findings, although the specific focus on secondhand harms from drugs is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Public Health Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kerr, William C. — Public Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Kerr, William C.
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.