Research

Current Research

Our research explores factors that influence risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and negative consequences of alcohol and drug use. Our ongoing work combines laboratory alcohol administration, ecological momentary assessment, and mathematical modeling of decision making methods to test novel hypotheses about how individuals make decisions relevant to alcohol use, and how intoxication alters the decision making process. Our work is primarily supported by NIH/NIAAA, including two ongoing R01s, a K25, and 1 F31 award.

A Multi-Method Study of Extreme Alcohol Drinkers in the Lab and in Real-Life: Increasing Precision of Assessments of Extreme Drinking Determinants.

This project (NIAAA R01 AA027824) combines lab and ambulatory assessment methods to investigate the extreme drinking phenotype, defined as drinking alcohol to a BAC ≥.16. The project combines laboratory alcohol administration, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and real-time BAC assessment (via portable breathalyzer) to predict binge drinking (BAC of .08-.159) and extreme drinking (BAC ≥.16) and their consequences.

Risk for Alcohol Impaired Driving: From the Laboratory to the Natural Environment

This project (NIAAA/OBSSR R01 AA019546) combines lab and ambulatory assessment methods to test in-the-moment decisions about driving after drinking alcohol. Participants complete a laboratory session followed by daily reporting using both a smartphone and a study-provided breathalyzer device.

Advanced Mathematical Modeling of Decision Making in Alcohol Research.

This project (NIAAA K25 AA024182) involves a series of experimental studies that seek to apply current decision making models to important questions in the area of alcohol use and related consequences. Studies will involve both the development of novel decision making tasks and the examination of acute alcohol effects on classical decision making tasks.

Mechanisms by Which Gender Norms Influence Drinking Behavior Among Minoritized Populations.

This project (NIAAA F31 AA030210) involves collection of EMA data to test gender differences in alcohol risk mechanisms in Latinx and Black samples and examine the role of Latinx-specific gender norms in alcohol risk mechanisms. The project will additionally use integrative data analysis to compare the role of gender norms across Black, Latinx, and non-Latinx White samples.

Participate

For more information on our current studies or to determine if you are eligible to participate, please contact us at (573) 882-8225 or at our project coordinator's email: jdsp8m@umsystem.edu.