Using social media to help young adults avoid misusing prescription opioids
Official title: Theory-based social media intervention for non-medical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) in young adults
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11079593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young adults who might be misusing prescription opioids by using social media and support from their peers to share helpful information and encourage healthier choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $159,283 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA058768-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults under 21 who may be at risk for non-medical use of prescription opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 21 and younger or those who do not engage with social media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the non-medical use of prescription opioids among young adults, a significant public health concern. It aims to develop a peer-led intervention using social media to provide support and education based on psychosocial theories. By gathering data on the factors influencing opioid misuse, the project will create tailored strategies to engage young adults effectively. The approach emphasizes the importance of peer influence and social media as tools for promoting healthier behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of prescription opioid misuse among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media interventions can be effective in promoting health behaviors, suggesting potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tam, Cheuk Chi — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Tam, Cheuk Chi
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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.