New program aims to stop substance use before it starts in teens who've faced adversity
NCT ID NCT06821035
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a program called GRIT, where community health workers coach teens (ages 11-14) and their families over six weekly sessions. The goal is to help teens who have experienced four or more adverse childhood events build self-regulation skills and avoid starting regular alcohol or cannabis use. Half the families get the GRIT coaching; the other half receive a digital citizenship course. Researchers will follow both groups for a year to see which teens are less likely to start using substances.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
community health worker coaching with heart rate variability biofeedback
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a practical, non-drug way to help at-risk teens avoid early substance use and improve their long-term health.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with 210 participants, so results may not apply to all teens. The intervention is time-intensive and relies on family engagement, which may limit real-world uptake.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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The Regents of the University of California, Irvine
RECRUITINGIrvine, California, 92697-7600, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••