Addictions Program

Section Head

Dr. Tony George

Contact

Nithya Ravi, Administrative Supervisor
Addictions Program
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1
(416) 535-8501, ext 4969
nithya_ravi@camh.net

Research Objective

The research focuses on expanding the evidence base for understanding, assessing, and treating addictive behaviours to improve preventative programs and treatment strategies.

Summary of Activities

Drug addiction is a complex disorder which involves the interaction of environmental factors with multiple genetic factors that are 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. The effects of comorbid mental health and physical disorders on vulnerability and outcomes in addicted individuals are also being studied.

An important area of research continues to focus on pregnant women who smoke cigarettes. Other research in the tobacco area 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.

A number of clinics have been established to investigate the services and treatment needs of several mental disorders associated with addictive behaviours: the Anger and Addictions Clinic is evaluating an integrated treatment for people who have concurrent anger, substance abuse, and gambling problems; the Eating Disorder and Addiction Clinic is exploring the use of acupuncture in addicted individuals; and the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic provides an innovative form of treatment for individuals with concurrent disorders and others who do not respond well to conventional psychotherapy.

 

 

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