Research Focus
Addictions and their Mental Health Comorbidities
Addictions and mental health disorders commonly co-occur. For example, an individual experiencing problems with alcohol may also experience depression or anxiety, referred to as a concurrent disorder. Yet, the treatment of addictions and mental health tends to be separated. Research at the ADMH Lab is examining the characteristics associated with co-occurring addictions and mental health difficulties in order to determine who is at greater risk of developing a concurrent disorder and inform more effective treatments.
Transdiagnostic Mechanisms of Substance and Behavioural 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. We do so to develop a unified treatment that may be effective for both substance and behavioural addictions.
The Impact of Liberalization of Sports Betting in Canada
Recent legal changes in Canada have made sports betting more accessible than ever. However, 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. Additionally, we are examining sports betting advertisements in Ontario and Alberta, and how exposure to these advertisements may impact gambling behaviour.
Psycho-Social Correlates of Problem Gaming
Video gaming is a popular recreational activity, with 60-80% of Canadians engaging in video games. Although video games can have benefits, and many people play video games recreationally, for some, it can become problematic. At the ADMH Lab, we are investigating the risk factors of problem gaming as well as protective factors that keep gaming at fun and healthy levels. Additionally, we investigate the ongoing convergence of gaming and gambling and the potential that gambling-like activities in video games (e.g., loot boxes) are a risk factor for the migration to gambling for real money.
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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105 Bond St Room 271, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3
- Email: admhlab@torontomu.ca
- Phone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552184
- Room: SBB101 and SBB106