The main goal of the Translational Addiction Research Laboratory is to improve the treatment and understanding of drug addiction. The research aims at linking discovery in basic science to clinical applications. The research is organized over several complementary directions including the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies using preclinical models, brain imaging approaches to explore drug addiction process in humans, genetic studies and clinical studies.
Current projects
Clinical
- evaluating the use of naltrexone for alcohol dependence in convicted drinking drivers
- the use of Sativex (THC/cannabidiol spray) as a potential treatment option for those with cannabis dependence
- the role of GABA in alcohol dependence
- the role of the insular cortex using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in nicotine dependence.
Preclinical
We use models of nicotine and alcohol dependence, as well as gambling for:
- defining a role for the insular cortex in addictive behaviours
- developing various cannabinoid ligands as potential therapies for nicotine addiction and obesity
- understanding the role of various dopaminergic ligands in both nicotine addiction and gambling behaviours.
Collaborations
Dr. Huestis, NIDA-IRP on cannabinoid studies
Dr. Steven R Goldberg on studies on nicotine
Dr. Steven Heishman, on PPAR studies
Dr. Makryannis and Dr. Piomelli on cannabinoid studies
Lab members