We are currently working on several projects examining available methodological gold-standards published in the literature on various topics, from open science methods to data quality measures. This research has important impacts on the transparency, replicability, and accessibility of research. We hope to not only implement lessons learned from this research on our own projects, but disseminate our findings for the greater scientific community.
In collaboration with the Canadian Research Initiative on Substance Misuse (CRISM), we are developing a comprehensive evidence-based online platform for screening, self-management, and referral to treatment for individuals curious about their substance use habits. The website is designed for youth and young adults who are not necessarily in specialized treatment, but want some help with managing their habits. It is currently being pilot-tested for cannabis use only, with plans to extend this platform to include other substances and behavioral addictions.
Our research on co-morbidity in disordered gambling indicates that individuals with schizophrenia often have high rates of disordered gambling, which goes untreated and not assessed due to diagnostic overshadowing. The mechanisms that drive the interaction between the two disorders also appear to be unique and not present in disordered gamblers without schizophrenia. This work was extended to examine chasing one’s gambling losses as a one-item effective screener for gambling problems. In collaboration with researchers at Yale University, the results are being used to develop more effective disordered gambling screening guidelines for patients with psychotic spectrum disorders.
Funded by Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, we have conducted the largest to date scoping review of all work on co-morbidity in disordered gambling, identifying key areas of weakness in the literature, which mostly focuses on reporting prevalence rates.
A number of our projects have attempted to examine how addictive behaviours change, with an emphasis on mechanisms of action. With regard to disordered gambling, a major portion of our research has been dedicated to uncovering key determinants of continuing to gamble in the face of repeated losses (i.e., chasing losses). We have established a number of key factors that contribute to increased chasing, providing a basis for improving clinical guidelines for gambling screening and intervention. We have also explored the role of cognitive distortions in maintaining gambling problems over time. In addition, we are currently focusing on social contributors to change in addictive behaviours by examining the use of social control in youth that is, interpersonal tactics used to incite addiction-related change in others.
Dr. Julie Bruneau is a clinical researcher and Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Montreal. As a clinician, she is recognized as a leader in the development of addiction medicine in Canada. She was one of the founding member of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, and implemented the largest University-based Addiction Medicine Facility in Quebec.Dr. Bruneau's research focuses on individual and contextual factors involved in the transmission of HIV and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injection drug users (IDUs), with a view to identifying strategies for preventing new infections. These studies are conducted by monitoring a prospective IDU cohort seronegative for HIV and/or HCV. This cohort is linked to a geographic information system that makes it possible to study environmental and individual factors gathered during biannual meetings with participants.
Dr. Wild is a Professor at the University of Alberta and the Nominated Principal Investigator of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) Prairie Node. His research program includes (1) community-based epidemiologic and qualitative studies of addictive behaviours (injection drug use, use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit and prescription drugs) and comorbid mental disorders, (2) research on community-based screening and brief interventions as first-line services for the general public, (3) health services research on motivational factors influencing client retention in addiction treatment and the impact of compulsory treatment policies, and (4) system-level work designed to inform the organization of prevention and treatment services in relation to problem severity and population needs for care.
Dr. Tibbo is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry with a cross-appointment in Psychology at Dalhousie University and an Adjunct Professor in Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta. He is also Director of the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP). Dr. Tibbo investigates psychosis/schizophrenia in the areas of neuroimaging (MRS, DTI), genetics, and non-pharmacological treatment options for schizophrenia. Other projects include the development of a relapse prediction tool for use by clinicians and family members; a tool for monitoring medication side effects; and service delivery/national guidelines for early phase psychosis.
Dr. Stewart, Ph.D., is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Addictions and Mental Health and a professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University, as well as a licensed clinical psychologist in the province of Nova Scotia. Dr. Stewart studies the role of psychological factors (e.g., personality, motives) in contributing to addictive behaviors including alcohol use, prescription drug misuse, and excessive gambling. She also investigates mechanisms underlying comorbid mental health and addictive disorders. She has conducted several trials of novel approaches for treating and preventing co-occurring mental illness and addictions.
