# Characterizing alcohol use disorder recovery-related exposures on Twitter: Content, cluster, and network analysis

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE · 2022 · $140,954

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overarching goal of this K01 is to support the training of Dr. Alex Russell. His goal is to become an
independent alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery researcher with expertise in how to leverage social media
platforms to enhance AUD treatment and recovery outcomes in novel and innovative ways. To help achieve this
goal, the candidate proposes an original mentored research study focused on developing scientific knowledge
about AUD and recovery-related social media exposures in order to define prominent social-media based
barriers to and facilitators of AUD recovery, and thereby informing narrative-based social media interventions
designed to enhance AUD treatment and recovery outcomes. In aim 1, we will characterize AUD and recovery-
related exposures on Twitter by conducting a qualitative content analysis using an unsupervised machine
learning and inductive coding approach – identifying potential barriers to/facilitators of recovery present on
Twitter. In aim 2, we will use latent class analysis to identify underlying content similarities between clusters of
tweets, over and above individual themes. We will also determine how varying post characteristics (e.g., format,
source) and content cluster themes are associated with user engagement (i.e., likes, retweets). In aim 3, social
network analysis will be used to examine the network structure of barriers/facilitators-related posts, identifying
important opinion-leaders and topics about AUD and recovery on Twitter (targets for later intervention) and to
determine how network position of posts varies by post characteristics (e.g., format, source) and domains of
AUD recovery barriers and facilitators. This mentored study is intended to facilitate training to help the candidate
develop the expertise to build an independent research career. More specifically, Dr. Russell’s mentorship team
(Philip Massey, Brandon Bergman, John Kelly, Dana Litt, and Brian Primack) will foster his scientific development
in the following areas: 1) AUD recovery science (addiction treatment and recovery, mechanisms of recovery-
related behavior change, digital recovery support services); 2) social media-based research methods (theory,
data collection, measurement, analyses, and interpretation); 3) latent class analysis; 4) social network analysis;
and 5) career development and grantsmanship. Additionally, Dr. Russell’s training plan will supplement practical
experiences and mentorship with formal coursework and workshop attendance, and dissemination of research
findings at conferences. His career goals are in line with NIAAA’s emphases on a) the identification and
development of strategies to reduce personal and organizational barriers that prevent people with alcohol use
disorders from seeking and receiving appropriate care, b) the study of potentially vital recovery mechanisms
during an at-risk developmental stage, c) the development and testing of methods that can enhance the diffusion
and ado...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10572265
- **Project number:** 1K01AA030614-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** Alex Russell
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $140,954
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-20 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10572265

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10572265, Characterizing alcohol use disorder recovery-related exposures on Twitter: Content, cluster, and network analysis (1K01AA030614-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10572265. Licensed CC0.

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