# Characterizing patterns and predictors of recovery from alcohol use disorders: A genetically informed, longitudinal design

> **NIH NIH F31** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $37,828

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are one of the leading causes of premature death and disability. Approximately
40-65% of affected individuals remit from AUD; however, compared to the study of the development of alcohol
problems, much less is known about factors that contribute to recovery. Recovery is now understood as a
dynamic process of holistic improvement in physical, psychological, and social wellbeing through abstinence or
controlled alcohol use without problems. The path to AUD recovery is increasingly recognized as
heterogeneous, such that individuals in recovery may experience more or less improvement across some
domains of functioning compared to others. However, few studies have systematically examined patterns and
predictors of functioning in recovery. Another gap in the field is that although it has become clear that
understanding AUD necessitates a genetically informed perspective, this has not been integrated into the study
of recovery. Twin and family studies suggest that the development of AUD is heritable. The profound and
ubiquitous influence of genetic factors on diverse behavioral outcomes suggests differential patterns of
recovery may also be genetically influenced. The overall goal of this NRSA proposal is to characterize and
predict patterns of functioning in AUD recovery using a genetically informed, longitudinal design, which will be
accomplished through secondary analysis of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA)
Prospective Study dataset (N = 3,129; U10AA008401). The applicant will investigate profiles of heterogeneous
functioning among individuals in remission from AUD. Next, the applicant will test whether behavioral
characteristics, precipitating environmental factors, and genetic influences (measured via genome-wide
polygenic risk scores) predict recovery functioning profile membership. The proposed research will advance
the burgeoning field of recovery science by contributing to a better understanding of the genetic and
environmental influences on individual differences in AUD recovery processes. Findings can inform the
development of treatment interventions that foster sustained recovery, one of five key goals outlined in
NIAAA's current strategic plan. Additionally, the protected time and training opportunities afforded by the NRSA
fellowship will help the applicant to: 1) develop an understanding of recovery science and individual differences
in AUD recovery processes; 2) gain deeper experience in the use and interpretation of (a) advanced, person-
centered statistical techniques and (b) statistical genetic methods for complex traits; and 3) cultivate
professional development skills. These training activities will help the applicant launch a career as an
independent researcher specializing in the genetic and environmental factors contributing to substance use
disorders and recovery using person-centered, community-engaged approaches.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10232463
- **Project number:** 1F31AA028720-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rebecca Lynne Smith
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $37,828
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10232463

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10232463, Characterizing patterns and predictors of recovery from alcohol use disorders: A genetically informed, longitudinal design (1F31AA028720-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10232463. Licensed CC0.

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