Drug addiction is a complex disorder that involves the interaction of environmental factors with multiple genetic factors believed to increase the susceptibility of an individual to addictive behaviour. Researchers at CAMH are studying the pharmacological and psychosocial models and approaches which involve preclinical studies in animals, human laboratories and clinical trials. We are also studying the effects of having both mental health and physical disorders on vulnerability and outcomes in addicted individuals.

An important area of research continues to focus on pregnant women who smoke cigarettes. Other tobacco research evaluates pharmacological and behavioural treatments in smokers with and without concurrent psychiatric disorders. We are also developing intervention studies using pharmacological and behavioral treatments in alcohol and opioid dependence.

Other research projects are attempting to improve our understanding of the psychiatric and psychosocial characteristics of problem gambling, with a particular focus on the dysfunctional thought process common to pathological gamblers.

Researchers