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Research Focus

Transdiagnostic Mechanisms of Substance and Behavioural Addictions

Transdiagnostic Mechanisms

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. We do so to develop a unified treatment that may be effective for both substance and behavioural addictions.

Research Funding Support

Current Research Projects

This project aims to understand the similarities and differences of treatment strategies used across both substance and behavioural addictions. These results will help inform the creation of a unified treatment model of addictive behaviours.

Select Publications

The Perceived Causes of Problems with Substance Use, Gambling, and Other Behavioural Addictions from the Perspective of People with Lived Experience​.
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Insecure attachment and addiction: Testing the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in four potentially addictive behaviors patterns.
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Component Model of Addiction Treatment: A Pragmatic Transdiagnostic Treatment Model of Behavioral and Substance Addictions.
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ADMH Lab Comorbidity Researchers

  • Dr. Youssef Allami​

Université Laval

  • Dr. Samantha Dawson​

University of British Columbia

  • Dr. David Hodgins​

University of Calgary

  • Dr. Matthew Keough​

York University

  • Dr. Marco Scananivo

Western University

  • Dr. N. Will Shead​

Mount Saint Vincent University

  • Dr. Nassim Tabri​

Carleton University

  • Dr. Hermano Tavares

University of São Paulo (Brazil)

Addictions and Mental Health Lab

We study the causes and impacts of substance and behavioral addictions to improve treatment and support for those affected.

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