We are the Ethanol, Drug, and Gambling Experimental (EDGE) Lab. Our lab specializes in research relevant to addiction, sexual risk behavior, and related conditions. Our broad scope includes the use of a novel human laboratory paradigm and technology-based interventions.
Our lab conducts NIH-funded research on the etiology of and new interventions to ameliorate addictive behaviors and enhance sexual health, including HIV prevention. Regarding etiology, they focus primarily on various difficulties with self-control including facets of impulsivity and impaired control over substance use (i.e., difficulty adhering to limits on substance use). Intervention research mainly involves technology-based approaches including smartphone applications (apps) providing feedback on blood alcohol concentration.
New studies will test a smartphone app to address attentional biases to drug cues among those with opioid use disorder and an app providing personalized feedback on cognitive performance for heavy drinking young adults.