Research conducted in the STRESS Lab aims to explain why individuals with lived experiences of trauma are more likely to use substances and experience substance-related harm. We use this knowledge to develop and evaluate culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches for addressing substance use.

Transdiagnostic Mechanisms Underlying Co-morbid PTSD-SUD

Much of the work in the STRESS Lab focuses on the role of emotion dysregulation in the relation between PTSD and SUD. Our findings suggest that trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD are more likely to use substances and subsequently experience substance-related harm because they have difficulties regulating their emotions. Our recent studies suggest that these difficulties may be experienced in the context of both negative and positive emotions. For instance, trauma-exposed individuals who experience PTSD symptoms report that they are nonaccepting of both negative and positive emotions, judging both to be unpredictable and threatening, and that, in turn, they use substances to dampen these emotions. Work is underway to further explore the role of emotion dysregulation stemming from both negative and positive emotions in co-occurring PTSD-SUD.

Traumatic Experiences Among Systemically Excluded and Marginalized Groups

Research in the STRESS Lab aims to better understand traumatic experiences among systemically excluded and marginalized groups. Our research investigates traumatic stressors unique to systemically excluded and marginalized groups, such as historical trauma and racial microaggressions. Further, we investigate cultural characteristics (e.g., acculturation, racial-ethnic identity) that may influence post-trauma outcomes (e.g., SUD) among these populations.

Culturally Responsive Interventions for Co-morbid PTSD-SUD

Research in the STRESS Lab aims to use community-engaged approaches to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches for reducing substance use and related harm. For instance, COPE uses ground-up, participatory co-design processes that engage community and clinical partners alongside people with lived experience to develop, evaluate, and optimize a mobile app that combines on-demand and adaptive (JITAI) features to prevent return to opioid use and related harms among individuals with co-occurring PTSD as they transition out of residential OUD treatment.

Learn more about our current projects and publications.