Using social media data to improve monitoring of substance use disorders
Official title: Diversity Supplement for Mining Social Media Big Data for Toxicovigilance
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11053091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social media can help us learn more about substance use and addiction in the U.S., especially among different racial and ethnic groups, so we can better support those who need help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $82,238 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA057599-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals affected by substance use disorders, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage with social media or are not affected by substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media can be utilized to gather real-time information about substance use and substance use disorders (SUD) in the United States. By analyzing discussions and experiences shared on social media platforms, the project aims to identify trends and disparities in substance use, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. The approach leverages advanced artificial intelligence techniques to process and interpret large volumes of data, providing insights that traditional surveillance methods may miss. This timely information could help inform public health responses and improve treatment engagement for those affected by substance use issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and intervention strategies for substance use disorders, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can be a valuable tool for public health surveillance, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarker, Abeed H — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sarker, Abeed H
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.