Parental Substance Use Research Study

Researchers at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are conducting a study to learn more about family health patterns.

Fast Facts

At Least one Biological Parent with Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder

Ages 18-25

Compensation Provided

Conducted in
Little Rock, AR

Study Background

Help us learn more about factors that may increase risk for alcohol and drug abuse.

Through this research study, we are investigating health behaviors in young adults to learn more about factors that may increase risk for alcohol and drug abuse.

To better understand these behaviors, we are measuring personality characteristics, immune factors, blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol in young adults whose parents have had problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Study Background

Help us learn more about factors that may increase risk for alcohol and drug abuse.

Through this research study, we are investigating health behaviors in young adults to learn more about factors that may increase risk for alcohol and drug abuse.

To better understand these behaviors, we are measuring personality characteristics, immune factors, blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol in young adults whose parents have had problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Additional Information

The purpose of this study is to learn more about family health patterns and factors that may increase risk for alcohol and drug abuse.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18-25
  • Have at least one biological parent with an alcohol or other substance use disorder
  • No individual history of psychotic disorders, substance use disorders or OCD
  • Generally healthy
  • Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal in your body or claustrophobia)
  • No major physical or developmental disabilities (e.g., perinatal injury, loss of consciousness > 20 min)
  • Not currently pregnant or nursing
  • No mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, feeding and eating disorders, and trauma and stressor-related disorders in the past 12 months
  • BMI <= 40 kg/m2
  • Men ages 18-25

This study consists of 2 in-person visits to the Psychiatric Research Institute at UAMS in Little Rock. There are also 2 follow-up visits conducted via phone 6 months and 12 months after the initial study sessions. Pregnancy, drug, and alcohol screenings will also be performed at each visit.

Visit 1 will last approximately 3-4 hours and will include interview questions, assessments, questionnaires, and computer tasks. 

Visit 2 will last approximately 2 hours and will include a brain MRI scan and blood draw. 

After all study sessions, there are also 2 optional study visits that may include speech and arithmetic tasks, questionnaires, and saliva samples.

You can earn up to $230 for completing all study visits. 

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.