NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding why people switch from injecting to smoking fentanyl and methamphetamine

Official title: Determinants of transitioning from injecting to smoking fentanyl and methamphetamine and implications for harm reduction implementation

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10951411 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at why some people in the San Diego-Tijuana area switch from injecting drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine to smoking them, and it aims to understand their experiences and the support they need to improve services for those who use drugs.

More Smoking research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$53,960
NIH project number1R36DA061013-01
Project IDNIH-10951411 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who currently inject drugs or have recently transitioned to smoking drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana area.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not use drugs or are not involved in the San Diego-Tijuana border region may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the transition from injecting to smoking drugs, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine, among individuals in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. By examining various factors such as personal experiences, peer influences, community resources, and local policies, the study aims to identify trends that can inform better service delivery for people who use drugs. The research will utilize a comprehensive framework to analyze these determinants and their implications for harm reduction strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved harm reduction services and resources for individuals who use drugs, potentially reducing overdose rates and the spread of infectious diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding drug use behaviors and harm reduction strategies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Eger, William Henry — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Eger, William Henry

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.