Using digital tools to help new mothers reduce substance use at home
Official title: Digital Screening and Brief Intervention for Perinatal Substance Use in Home Visiting
Funded at Partnership to End Addiction · NIH-11117117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping new moms who might be dealing with substance use after having a baby by using a friendly online tool to check in on their needs and offering support through text messages, making it easier for them to get help without feeling judged.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Partnership to End Addiction NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,213 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA061238-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are new mothers experiencing substance use challenges during the postpartum period.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not new mothers or those who do not experience substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on supporting new mothers during the early postpartum period, a time when many may struggle with substance use. It utilizes a digital screening and brief intervention approach, allowing mothers to confidentially assess their substance use risk through an electronic tool between home visits from supportive professionals. The study aims to optimize this intervention by testing different delivery methods, including follow-up text messaging, to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility. By integrating this approach into existing home visiting programs, the research seeks to provide timely support to mothers who may otherwise avoid seeking help due to stigma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes by effectively reducing substance use among new mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown preliminary success in using digital interventions for substance use, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Partnership to End Addiction
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dauber, Sarah E. — Partnership to End Addiction
- Study coordinator: Dauber, Sarah E.
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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.