With the recent legalization of sports betting in Canada, little is known about the gambling-related harms that may be associated with this activity and its specific subtypes (e.g., in-play betting). Research in the ADMH Lab seeks to clarify the gambling-related harms as well as demographic, mental health, and addiction-related variables that are associated with sports betting and in-play betting in particular. A key goal is to identify the individual and situational risk factors for in-play betting and its associated harms, as well as the correlates of experiencing its consequences.

Addictions and their Mental Health Comorbidities

Addictions and mental health disorders commonly co-occur. Yet, the treatment of addictions and mental health tends to be separated. Research at the ADMH Lab is examining the clinical characteristics associated with people with co-occurring addictions and mental health difficulties. We are also examining psychological processes that may help to explain the co-occurrence of addictions and mental health, to inform treatment. This research is being conducted in part with collaborations at the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program at the Royal Ottawa.

Examples of Current Projects:

    – Examining Addiction Behaviours and their Relationship with Mental Health

     – Psychological Correlates of Stealing Behaviour

Transdiagnostic Mechanisms of Substance and Behavioral Addictions

Are substance and behavioural addictions fundamentally different or are they two sides of the same coin? A main research program in the ADMH Lab is addressing this very question. We examine the shared (and unique) risk factors and psychological processes of substance addictions such as alcohol and cannabis and behavioural addictions such as gambling and video gaming. Our research also extends to emerging behavioural addictions such as compulsive shopping and problematic internet use. Our research aims to develop a treatment that can be effective for both substance and behavioural addictions and enhance the overall capacity for the treatment of substance and behavioural addictions.

Examples of Current Projects:

     – Cross-Cultural Study of Addictive Behaviours

Addiction Substitution and Recovery

Individuals who recover from one addiction may increase their use and engagement of other addictive behaviours. This is known as addiction substitution. Research in our lab seeks to understand the process of addiction substitution and identify who is likely to engage in addiction substitution. We are also examining the impact of addiction substitution on treatment outcomes. The results of this program of research will be used to incorporate treatment strategies to reduce the risks that individuals will engage in addiction substitution upon recovery from their primary addiction.