Addiction

Addiction researchers at WVU investigate the behavioral, cognitive, and neural mechanisms underlying substance use and dependence, emphasizing the effects of psychoactive drugs and nicotine/tobacco products on behavior.

Using animal and experimental models, studies explore how environmental contexts influence drug effects and addiction, focusing on maladaptive choices and treatment responses. Additionally, there is an emphasis on reproductive health and the broad, intergenerational impacts of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on families and communities.

• Dr. Anderson's research in behavioral pharmacology extends our understanding of effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior, particularly maladaptive (impulsive or risky) choice, e.g., sharing needles. By using animal models, we explore ways in which the environmental context can influence drug effects on behavior.
• Dr. Blank's research uses experimental models of drug use and dependence to understand the abuse liability of nicotine/tobacco products. Such products have included waterpipe/hookah, electronic cigarettes, and oral nicotine/tobacco pouches.
• Dr. Cherkasova's lab studies addiction neuroscience. Her research aims to elucidate cognitive and neural mechanisms supporting substance and behavioral addictions, as well as those underlying treatment response.
• Dr. Patrick's lab has addressed reproductive health and contraception use among women and men in treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). We view OUD as a life span issue because when adults of reproductive age are diagnosed with OUD, the effects often cascade across the family generations, including increasing the number of grandparents raising grandchildren.

Click on researcher’s photos below to access more information about their research and laboratories.