Understanding Why Some People Resist Substance Use
Using a Genetic Approach to Understand Factors Influencing Resistance to Substance Use
This project aims to understand why some young people are able to resist using psychoactive substances and how this resistance continues into adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126896 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking at why some individuals are more resilient to substance use, especially during their teenage years and into their 30s and 40s. Instead of focusing on what makes people start using substances, we want to learn about the factors that help them avoid it. We will use information from large studies of twins that have been collected over many years, including new data from participants as they reach middle adulthood. Our goal is to find modifiable factors that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project primarily involves individuals who previously participated in the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent and Behavioral Development or the Minnesota Twin and Family Study, particularly those now aged 30-50.
Not a fit: Patients not part of the specific twin cohorts being studied would not directly participate or benefit from this particular data collection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop new strategies to prevent substance use by focusing on building resistance rather than just reducing risk.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon extensive prior twin studies by introducing a novel focus on resistance to substance use rather than just risk factors.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prom-Wormley, Elizabeth Chin — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Prom-Wormley, Elizabeth Chin
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 below.