RIA: Currently Funded Projects

Currently Funded Projects

Research Projects Currently Being Conducted at RIA The following list shows RIA’s continued success in securing grants and financial support for its valuable research projects. The dedication of RIA scientists and their grantsmanship efforts have made this research possible. This section briefly describes each scientist’s individual projects as well as the funding sources and the amounts dedicated to each project.
Barrick/Collins/ Smyth	Knowledge Exchange and Skills Training for Therapists The goal of this study is to develop a training program for therapists using a combination of laptop computers, an interactive database, and distance learning in a state-of-the-science, innovative model of technology transfer and knowledge exchange. The training program will offer instructional design technology, a constructivist theory-based approach to learning, and a computer-based Post-Training Support Center. A clinical trial will unfold in a series of four phases that allow for ongoing development and refinement of the training materials with 90 volunteer clinicians. This investigation will provide a better quality of learning and understanding and make empirically supported treatments available to broad audiences of community-based clinicians. Dr. Chris Barrick’s co-investigators are Drs. R. Lorraine Collins, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Nancy Smyth, UB School of Social Work. Funded by a grant of $1,585,000 from NIDA, 2005-2009.

Bradizza/Eiden/ Stasiewicz/Brandon	Affect Regulation Training for Pregnant Smokers Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health issue that can have profound effects on women’s health and the health of their developing fetus. Smoking among pregnant women is associated with high levels of negative affect, which plays a key role in both continuing to smoke and attempting to quit smoking. The smoking cessation treatment strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in regular smokers have not translated into effective treatment strategies for pregnant women. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop and test an affect regulation smoking cessation intervention for pregnant smokers, particularly low-income pregnant smokers for whom other treatments have been ineffective. In phase one of the project, Dr. Bradizza and colleagues will develop an eight-session Affect Regulation Training intervention. In phase two, a randomized clinical trial will be conducted to compare the Affect Regulation Training intervention with a control intervention. The trial will assess the impact on smoking cessation rates at the six-month post-quit date and changes in affect regulation skills and negative affect among pregnant smokers, thereby providing long-term health benefits for both the mothers and their children. Dr. Bradizza’s co-investigators include Drs. Rina Eiden, Paul Stasiewicz, and Dr. Thomas Brandon of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida. Funded by a grant of $1,816,091 from NIDA and the Office of the Director, NIH, 2007-2011.
Colder/Eiden/ Lengua/Hawk/ Read/Wieczorek	Motivation in Context: Risk for Early Substance Use In this longitudinal study, Principal Investigator Dr. Craig Colder of UB’s Department of Psychology is examining how shifts in appetitive motivation converge with community and peer contexts to influence both implicit and explicit beliefs supportive of substance use. Starting from developmental-ecological theory that posits the initiation of substance use in childhood and adolescence is a function of reciprocal and interacting influences between individuals and their socio-environmental context, a sample of 10-12 year old children will be assessed across three waves. This will allow for the examination of how changes in these constructs presage substance use. Child motivational profiles based on approach, inhibition and self-regulation will be assessed using laboratory tasks, physiological indicators and parent reports. Multiple methods will be used to assess beliefs about substance use, and peer and community context. This research has the potential to provide important direction for how the content of substance use preventive interventions could be tailored for specific populations and to target relevant etiological processes for maximal effectiveness. His co-investigators include RIA’s Dr. Rina Eiden and Dr. Liliana Lengua of the University of Washington, Drs. Larry Hawk and Jennifer Read of UB's Department of Psychology, and Dr. William Wieczorek of Buffalo State College. Funded by NIDA to Dr. Colder, subaccount to RIA, 2006-2011.
Connors/Walitzer/ Smyth/Colder	Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in Alcoholism Treatment Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to be efficacious in increasing the ability to cope with stress and in enhancing coping and psychological well-being. In this study, MBSR will be evaluated in a clinical setting with alcohol dependent patients. In phase one of this study, an eight-session treatment manual for conducting group-based MBSR will be adapted for use in the context of a standardized 10-session treatment-as-usual (TAU) for alcohol dependent men and women. In phase two, a pilot clinical trial will be conducted to examine the effects of adding MBSR to TAU for alcohol dependent outpatients. The outcomes will be compared to the outcomes for patients receiving TAU plus a series of Health and Lifestyle Lectures (TAU + HLL). Co-investigators include Drs. Kimberly S. Walitzer, Nancy J. Smyth, UB School of Social Work, and Craig R. Colder, UB Department of Psychology. Funded by a grant of $1,977,241 from NIAAA, 2007-2011.
Connors/Dermen/ Maisto	Therapeutic Alliance as a Change Mechanism in Alcoholism Treatment In this two-year investigation, alcohol-dependent patients participating in a 12-week outpatient treatment program will be assessed over the course of treatment on their perceptions of the therapeutic alliance (therapist perceptions also will be assessed). The project includes examination of the within-treatment, week-to-week relationship between the ratings of the therapeutic alliance (as perceived by the patient and therapist) and the patient's alcohol involvement (percent days abstinent and drinks per drinking day) during treatment. The project also will examine profiles of the therapeutic alliance (as perceived by the patient and therapist) over the course of treatment in relation to alcohol involvement during treatment and during a six-month follow-up period. Results from this study will be used to characterize the interplay of the therapeutic alliance with alcohol involvement during and following an outpatient treatment episode. The data are expected to provide direction and foundation for future systematic research on the therapeutic alliance as a mechanism of change in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Co-investigators include Kurt H. Dermen, Ph.D. and Stephen A. Maisto of Syracuse University. Funded by a grant of $416,063 from NIAAA, 2007-2009.
Connors/Collins	Research Training on Alcohol Etiology and Treatment The goal of the program, established in 2000, is to provide specialized postdoctoral training to scientists in preparation for conducting addictions research. The program provides quality research training on (1) the etiology and course of alcohol use and misuse and (2) treatment for alcohol use disorders. Trainees are assigned a specific preceptor, based on their research interests. The preceptor provides training in conceptualization, methodology, and ethics of research in the trainee’s primary area of study. The program also includes several seminar components, including Foundations of Interdisciplinary Alcohol Research, Current Alcohol Research (including a monthly “journal club”), Grant Writing, and Professional Issues and Career Development. Funded by a grant of $1,669,749 from NIAAA, 2005-2010.
Conner/Houston	Attempted Suicide and Alcohol Dependence Using a case-control study design, this study will examine the roles of reactive aggression and social isolation in suicide attempts and the level of planning preceding attempts in treated alcoholics. This study was funded by NIAAA to Dr. Kenneth Conner, principal investigator on the study and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Co-investigators in Rochester include Yeates Conwell, M. D., Paul Duberstein, Ph.D. and Sean Meldrum, M. A. RIA Research Scientist Dr. Rebecca Houston is co-investigator on the study and will be managing data collection at two Buffalo sites as well as supervising the Buffalo-based staff. Subaward to Dr. Houston from the University of Rochester, 2006-2010.
Dearing	Help-Seeking for Alcohol Problems: A Prospective Study This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from NIAAA will provide five years of support to Dr. Ronda Dearing for mentored training, advanced coursework, and data collection in the field of help-seeking and treatment for alcohol problems. In the context of the proposed study, individuals with a range of alcohol problem severity will be recruited and their help-seeking behavior will be tracked over a two-year period. The primary aim of the study is to assess whether attitudes about alcohol and alcohol treatment predict help-seeking for alcohol problems. Other potential predictors of help-seeking behavior to be investigated include: problem severity, pressures to enter treatment, shame-proneness, and guilt-proneness. Dr. Dearing’s mentors for this program of study include Dr. Gerard Connors and Dr. Kimberly Walitzer of RIA. Funded by a grant of $585,095 from NIAAA, 2005-2010.
Dermen/Ciancio/ Connors	Brief Motivational Intervention to Promote Oral Health Oral disease is highly prevalent among individuals undergoing inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence. This project will consist of two phases of research with this population. During phase one we will develop a brief Motivational Oral and Dental Health Promotion intervention aimed at improving personal oral hygiene and utilization of community-based oral health preventive and treatment services. During phase two we will conduct a randomized pilot trial of the motivational intervention. The study is a collaboration between Drs. Kurt Dermen and Gerard Connors, RIA, and Dr. Sebastian Ciancio, UB School of Dental Medicine. Funded by a grant of $597,965 from NIDCR, 2005-2009.
Dermen/Testa	Changes in Women’s HIV Risk Following Alcohol Treatment Women in treatment for alcohol problems are at heightened risk for infection with HIV. Alcohol use may contribute directly or indirectly to risk in this population. The goals of this research project are to evaluate cross-sectionally, before and after treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence, the acute and global relationships of alcohol use and other factors to HIV risk-related behavior; to evaluate prospectively hypotheses regarding the extent to which baseline characteristics are predictive of change in HIV risk behavior during the year after entry into alcoholism treatment; and to evaluate prospectively, the extent to which women’s participation in treatment, exposure to HIV risk-reduction education and counseling, and changes in alcohol use mediate change. The protocol will test an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of HIV preventive behavior in an ethnically diverse sample of women entering either outpatient (n=300) or inpatient (n=150) treatment. Funded by a grant of $2,412,860 from NIAAA, 2005-2009.
Eiden/Colder/Connors/ Leonard/Schuetze	Prenatal and ETS Exposure: Effects on Child Regulation In this longitudinal, multi-method study Principal Investigator Dr. Rina Eiden is investigating the impact of prenatal exposure to cigarettes on the development of self-regulation over the first two years of life. Because most women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy continue to smoke after delivery and have partners who smoke, children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) will also be examined. The goals of this study are to examine direct effects of prenatal and ETS exposure on child regulation; examine the association between prenatal exposure and language development and the association between language development and self-regulation at 2 years of child age; examine the role of parenting as the proximal mediator of the association between cigarette exposure and child outcomes (e.g., reactivity and regulation at 9 and 16 months, and self-regulation at 2 years); and examine if a cumulative family risk score, including parenting, moderates the association between cigarette exposure and child outcomes. The study is guided by a developmental psychopathology framework and transactional models of child development emphasizing multiple pathways to risk. It is anticipated that this study will enrich understanding of pathways to self-regulatory problems among children of cigarette smoking mothers and reasons for heterogeneity in outcomes among cigarette exposed toddlers. Co-investigators on the study include Drs. Gerard Connors and Kenneth Leonard, RIA, Craig Colder, UB Department of Psychology, and Pamela Schuetze, Buffalo State College. Funded by a grant of $2,891,000 from NIDA, 2006-2011.
Eiden/Leonard/ Edwards/Grohman/ Colder	Parenting and Infant Development in Alcoholic Families This longitudinal study examines the role of parents’ alcohol problems on developmental trajectories of children’s self-regulation, peer relationships, and cognitive development using a transactional approach that considers multiple influences on parenting and child development. These include factors associated with parents’ alcohol problems such as depression and antisocial behavior as well as contextual factors such as marital aggression, life stress, and support. From 1994-2004, families were assessed when children were 12, 18, 24, 36 months of age, at 4 years, and upon entry into kindergarten. In infancy, the primary focus was on examining the parent-child relationship. In the toddler and preschool period, measures of children’s emerging self-regulatory abilities were added. In school age, the focus shifted to include classroom behavior and peer relationships, while continuing to assess the development of self-regulation. At every age, the quality of parent-child interactions were assessed using observational measures. Parents’ psychological problems, relationships with partners, stress, and support were also assessed at each age. In this continuation, families are assessed when children are in fourth and sixth grade. Assessments focus on peer relationships, self-regulation, cognitions about substance use, parenting, and family processes. In addition to Drs. Eiden and Leonard, the continuation study team includes Drs. Ellen Edwards, Kerry Grohman, RIA and Craig Colder, UB Department of Psychology. Funded by a grant of $3,342,981 from NIAAA, 2005-2010.
Eiden/Colder/ Schuetze	Maternal Substance Use and Toddler Self-Regulation The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of prenatal cocaine and other substance exposure on developmental trajectories for self-regulation from toddler to kindergarten age. Self-regulation is defined as the emergence of impulse control, compliance, and internalization of rules of conduct. As the children in the study begin kindergarten, assessments will also include children’s adjustment to the school setting and classroom behavior. In addition to maternal substance use, other risk factors often associated with maternal substance use such as poor infant growth, maternal depression, anxiety, and anger/hostility, and caregiving instability will be measured at each time point, and considered as mediators or moderators of child outcomes. This is a collaborative project among Dr. Rina Eiden, RIA, and Drs. Craig Colder, University at Buffalo, and Pamela Schuetze, Buffalo State College. Other significant contributors are Drs. Claire Coles, Emory University, and Phillip Zeskind, Carolinas Medical Center. Funded by a grant of $3,201,187 from NIDA, 2007-2012.
Frone	Work Stress & Alcohol Use: A National Study of Unresolved & Unexplored Issues The use of alcohol off and on the job by employed adults represents an important social policy issue because it may affect employee health and productivity. In a systematic extension of past research, Dr. Frone is investigating a broad classification of work stressors to determine the general types of work stressors that may be related to employee alcohol use. Secondly, a broad set of alcohol measures will be used to determine if work stressors are more strongly related to certain dimensions of alcohol involvement including overall alcohol involvement and work-related, context-specific alcohol involvement. Lastly, a broad set of variables expected to moderate or mediate the relation between work stressors and alcohol use will be examined. A national telephone survey will be conducted using a representative sample of 3,500 employed individuals 18 to 65 years old. This study is expected to help shape future research by leading to a more comprehensive model of work stress and employee alcohol use. It will contribute to organizational policy and shape future intervention research on workforce and workplace alcohol use by identifying work conditions and vulnerable subgroups that can be the focus of intervention efforts and work redesign. Funded by a grant of $2,242,465 from NIAAA, 2007-2011.
Grohman	Neurocognitive Rehabilitation in Alcohol Treatment This Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Scientist Career Development Award from NIAAA will support a five-year plan to develop Dr. Kerry Grohman’s skills and expertise in addiction research through mentored training, secondary data analyses, and execution of an innovative investigation designed to unite three currently divergent areas in addiction research: treatment, neuropsychological functioning, and neuroimaging. This project includes two stages: (1) Secondary analysis of an existing data set to examine posttreatment functioning, following neurocognitive rehabilitation, in a substance-abusing population. (2) Original data collection to provide the first extensive examination of the effect of neurocognitive rehabilitation on treatment and posttreatment functioning in alcohol dependent participants. Dr. Grohman’s mentors in this endeavor include Dr. Gerard Connors, RIA and Dr. Robert Zivadinov of UB’s Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Funded by a grant of $601,960 from NIAAA, 2004-2009.
Haj-Dahmane/Wood	Stress and Endocannabinoids in Serotonin Neurons Dr. Haj-Dahmane is investigating the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in regulation of stress responses and anxiety-related behaviors which play a role in addicted behaviors. The long-term objective of this research is to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which stress modulates eCB signaling in dorsal raphe (DR) serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. A combination of electrophysiological, pharmacological and neurochemical approaches will be used to 1) test the hypothesis that glucocorticoids acutely enhance eCB systhesis/release in DR 5-HT neurons, 2) elucidate the signal transduction mechanisms by which glucocorticoids enhance eCB signaling in DR 5-HT neurons, 3) determine the mechanisms of severe stress-induced down-regulation of eCB signaling in DR 5-HT neurons. Given the role of 5-HT and eCB systems in the regulation of stress-related behaviors, the results from the proposed research should improve understanding of the etiology of anxiety disorder and may contribute to the development of more effective anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications). Co-investigator on the study is Dr. Troy Wood, UB’s Department of Chemistry. Funded by a grant of $1,688,468 from NIMH, 2007-2012.
Hawk/Pelham/ Richards/Waxmonsky/ Wilding	Inhibitory Control and Clinical Response in ADHD Dr. Larry Hawk of the UB Department of Psychology is investigating the effects of both methylphenidate (MPH) and performance-based motivational incentives (i.e., monetary rewards, an analogue of behavioral treatment) on laboratory measures of inhibitory control, working memory, sustained attention, and delay-related impulsivity in children with ADHD. The proposed research will be the first to test the extent to which MPH affects basic processes assessed in the lab, and whether these processes actually mediate, or account for, individual differences in clinical response to MPH. The researchers hope to bridge basic and clinical research in ADHD in this work and pave the way for a new generation of translational research and theory in ADHD. Dr. William Pelham of UB’s Department of Psychology is co-principal investigator. Co-investigators include Drs. Jerry Richards, RIA, James Waxmonsky, UB Department of Psychiatry, and Gregory Wilding, UB Department of Biostatistics. Funded by NIMH to Dr. Hawk, UB Department of Psychology, subaccount to Dr. Richards, RIA, 2005-2010.
Hequembourg	The Role of Gender & Sexual Identity in Alcohol Use & Victimization This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from NIAAA will provide five years of support to Dr. Amy Hequembourg for mentored training, advanced coursework, and data collection in the area of gender and sexual identity differences in alcohol use, victimization, and related factors. The award will provide the foundation for a programmatic career plan to examine differential exposure and vulnerability to alcohol-related stressors among sexual minorities and heterosexuals. Surveys will be conducted to assess alcohol use, victimization (e.g., childhood sexual and physical abuse, adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence) and related risk factors within a sexual minority stress model. Participants will be 400 individuals comprised of 100 gay men, 100 lesbians, 100 bisexual men, and 100 bisexual women. This study will be the first to examine gender and sexual identity differences in alcohol use and victimization from a sexual minority stress perspective. Dr. Hequembourg’s mentors on this project are Drs. Kathleen Parks, R. Lorraine Collins, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Michael Frone. Funded by a grant of $579,325 from NIAAA, 2006-2011.
Houston/Dearing/ Connors//Homish	Impulse Control as a Mechanism of Change in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence This two-year project is taking a multi-modal measurement approach to the assessment of impulse control before, during, and after a cognitive behavioral treatment for alcohol dependence. Since it is likely that the decision to initiate drinking is indicative of a momentary lapse in impulse control for individuals with an alcohol disorder, this study is 1) investigating whether changes in impulse control during treatment are related to alcohol use during treatment, as compared to pre-treatment and 2) whether changes in impulse control during treatment result in changes in post-treatment alcohol use, as compared to pre-treatment. A two-group design consisting of a Standard Assessment Group and a Frequent Assessment Group will be used with 50 men and women who meet DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence to examine the multi-dimensional nature of the impulsivity construct. It is anticipated that results from this study will better define the role of impulse control as a potential mechanism of behavioral change and inform the development of subsequent avenues of investigation on this mechanism in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Results will also provide information about refining existing treatments as well as developing new treatment methods. Dr. Houston’s co-investigators are Drs. Ronda L. Dearing and Gerard J. Connors of RIA, and Dr. Gregory G. Homish of UB’s Department of Health Behavior. Funded by a grant of $416,063 from NIAAA, 2007-2009.
Leonard/Testa/ Quigley/Houston	Study of Health and Adult Relationship Experiences In this study, Dr. Leonard is examining heavy drinking, cognitive functioning, and marital satisfaction and conflict in 300 couples over a three-year time period. Couples in which the husband, wife, both, or neither are frequent heavy drinkers will be recruited. Researchers will test whether self-regulation skills, in conjunction with heavy drinking, smoking, and other health issues, influence marital satisfaction, marital stability, and marital conflict. Funded by an award of $2,635,812 from NIAAA, 2007-2012.
Leonard	Alcohol and Early Marriage: Spouse and Peer Influence This award extends Dr. Kenneth Leonard’s previous examination of drinking patterns and alcohol-related problems in young couples beginning with the time of application for a first marriage license, and now including celebration of their seventh and ninth anniversaries. The study includes the impact of parenthood, major life events, and environmental stressors on couples’ drinking and drinking problems. Funded by an award of $1,525,391 from NIAAA, 2005-2009.
Livingston	Adolescent Alcohol Use, Sexual Assault, and STD/HIV Risk This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from NIAAA will provide five years of support to Dr. Jennifer Livingston for mentored training, advanced coursework and data collection in the field of adolescent substance use and sexual risk behavior. The first phase of the study will involve running focus group sessions with female adolescents (14-17 years old) and, separately, with their mothers to gain a preliminary understanding of adolescent perceptions of risk and how these perceptions influence decision-making related to participation in risk behavior. The second phase of the study will involve conducting a cognitively-based retrospective interview with 18-19 year old female adolescents regarding their high school experiences with alcohol, drugs, and sex. Dr. Livingston’s mentors on this project are Dr. Maria Testa, RIA, and Dr. Michael Windle, Emory University. Funded by a grant of $531,904 from NIAAA, 2005-2010.
Parks/Collins/ Buddie	Women Bar Drinkers: Exploring Risks for HIV The goal of this study is to expand knowledge about the role of alcohol in increased risk for heterosexual HIV transmission among women. Dr. Kathleen Parks and colleagues will assess the relationships among alcohol use, social context, and risky sexual behavior on women bar drinkers risks for HIV. Both unprotected sexual behaviors and sexual assault will be viewed as risky sexual behaviors for HIV. The sample will consist of 300 women between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age who are sexually active and report drinking in bars at least weekly. Dr. Parks’ colleagues include Dr. R. Lorraine Collins, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Dr. Amy Buddie, Department of Psychology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia. Funded by a grant of $1,256,000 from NIAAA, 2003-2008.
Parks	College Women: The Alcohol and Victimization Link Utilizing a web-based survey method, this study will expand on the pilot of the same name with four specific aims: (1) to describe the rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related victimization, beginning with approximately 1,000 freshmen women during the fall of 2004 and continuing across four years of college attendance; (2) to assess the temporal relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related victimization (sexual and nonsexual, verbal and physical) with a sub-sample of 25 percent of the 2004 freshmen women; (3) to assess risk factors for experiencing victimization during college in one semester and their influence on risk for victimization in subsequent semesters; and (4) to assess primary (e.g., injury, psychological trauma) and secondary (e.g., academic, psychological) consequences of alcohol-related victimization. This project is funded by a grant of $1,844,750, from NIAAA, 2004-2009.
Richards/de Wit	Drug Abuse and Impulsivity: Tests of Animal Models These studies are designed to advance the understanding of impulsive behavior and its relation to drug abuse by developing valid animal models of impulsive behavior and operationalizing different concepts of impulsivity. In addition, the research will examine how both acute and chronic exposure to methamphetamine (METH) affects impulsive behavior and the roles the neurotransmitter systems dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) in impulsive behavior. Relationships between measures of discounting, delayed reward, risk taking, and the ability to stop drug use will be assessed. This project is being conducted in parallel to a separate project using humans at the University of Chicago. Together these studies will advance the understanding of the behavioral and neural processes mediating impulsive behaviors, and of the effect of drugs of abuse on these behaviors. Dr. Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry, is the co-investigator. This project was transferred from UB’s Department of Pediatrics in June, 2004. Funded by a grant of $793,537 from NIDA.
Rychtarik/Connors/ McGillicuddy/Whitney	Treatment Settings for Alcoholics: A Field Extension This project attempts to replicate and extend into community field settings the investigators’ prior work on matching clients to inpatient versus outpatient alcoholism treatment. In collaboration with Robert Whitney, M.D., Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Division of Chemical Dependency, clients will be categorized into “setting need” group (i.e., in need of inpatient, not in need of inpatient) based on the investigators’ prior work and then randomly assigned to either inpatient or outpatient care. Treatment will be the standard alcoholism treatment received by clients in the respective programs. All clients will be followed over 18 months following admission to assess post treatment functioning. Building on the investigators’ prior research, the project aims to contribute to a small, but important body of knowledge on efficient and effective client placement criteria. Funded by a grant of $2,364,815 from NIAAA, 2002-2008.
Shen	Dopamine Function After Prenatal Ethanol Exposure The attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a prominent behavioral symptom in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Attention problems have been linked to a dysfunction of the mesolimbic/cortical dopamine (DA) systems. Previous research from Dr. Shen’s laboratory shows that prenatal ethanol exposure in rats leads to a persistent reduction in the number of spontaneously active DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which are the origin of the mesolimbic/cortical DA systems. Therefore, the reduced DA neuron activity may contribute to the dysfunction of DA systems and attention problems in individuals with FASD. The reduced number of spontaneously active VTA DA neurons caused by prenatal ethanol exposure is not due to a neuronal loss and can be reversed by acute administration of inhibitory agents such as DA agonists and psychostimulants (e.g. amphetamine, methylphenidate) or increasing inhibitory input. Dr. Shen hypothesizes that prenatal ethanol exposure leads to the reduction in the number of spontaneously active VTA DA neurons by the mechanism of depolarization inactivation – cessation of action potentials due to over-excitation. This model also predicts qualitative changes in the responses of VTA DA neuron to input signals and terminal DA release, leading to an overall dysregulation of the mesolimbic/cortical systems. In this study Dr. Shen plans to: 1) directly verify depolarization inactivation in VTA DA neurons, and 2) investigate the cellular mechanism mediating the over-excitation in VTA DA neurons that causes depolarization inactivation. The results of this line of research will provide better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying attention problems in individuals with FASD and allows the development of effective phamacological treatment for attention problems. In addition, it could shed light on potential neural mechanism or the treatment of other mental illnesses, as reduced number of spontaneously active VTA DA neurons by depolarization inactivation is also observed after chronic exposure to drugs of abuse and antipsychotics. Funded by a grant of $641,926 from NIAAA, 2007-2009.
Stasiewicz/Bradizza	Emotional Processing as a Change Mechanism in Alcohol Treatment In this study, Dr. Stasiewicz proposes to examine whether a reduction of negative emotional responses to drinking trigger situations, via prolonged imaginal exposure, will produce a concomitant reduction in alcohol craving produced by those same cues. Secondly, he will examine whether a reduction in negative emotional responses and negative affect-elicited alcohol craving is associated with positive treatment outcomes among alcohol dependent men and women. Alcohol dependent men and women will receive six sessions of prolonged imaginal exposure to negative affect drinking situations delivered concurrent with a standard 12-session Treatment as Usual (TAU) for alcohol dependence. The prolonged exposure intervention will incorporate two laboratory sessions (pre- and post-treatment) intended to assess change in cue-elicited negative emotions and alcohol craving. Co-investigator on the study is Clara M. Bradizza, Ph.D. Funded by a grant of $416,063 from NIAAA, 2007-2009.
Stasiewicz/ Bradizza/Coffey/ Gulliver	Affect Regulation Training for Alcoholics In this study, Dr. Paul Stasiewicz and colleagues will develop and pilot a clinical intervention that addresses the problem of negative affect as it relates to alcohol use and alcohol relapse. Currently, negative affect is a component of nearly half of all relapses to alcohol use among men and women in treatment, however no well-developed, empirically-tested, efficacious treatments specifically address the impact of negative affect on relapse. This project will assist individuals in treatment to regulate and cope with negative affective episodes that threaten relapse to alcohol use. Phase one will develop a 12-session treatment manual for Affect Regulation Training (ART) delivered concurrently with a standard 12-session Treatment as Usual (TAU). Phase two will encompass a pilot study of outcomes for individuals participating in ART and TAU compared to individuals who receive TAU and a Health and Lifestyle Supplement (HLS). The long-term objective of this line of research is to make a brief, effective affect regulation intervention available to clinicians to enhance treatments for alcohol dependence. Dr. Stasiewicz’s colleagues on the project include Drs. Clara Bradizza, RIA, Scott Coffey, University of Mississippi’s Department of Psychiatry, and Suzy Bird Gulliver, Boston University’s Department of Psychiatry. Funded by a grant of $1,937,729 from NIAAA, 2005-2010.
Testa/Leonard/Quigley	Alcohol and Couples Communication In this study, Dr. Testa is investigating whether acute alcohol consumption is a causal factor in episodes of relationship conflict and aggression among young married and cohabiting couples. First, an experimental study will examine the effects of alcohol - administered independently to male and female partners - on communication behaviors and verbal aggression within a conflict resolution paradigm. Second, a daily diary study conducted over eight weeks will be used to determine if the likelihood of relationship conflict or aggression occurring on a given day is increased when either the man, the woman, or both have consumed alcohol earlier that day. This study is unique in that it considers women’s drinking, in addition to men’s drinking, as a potential contributor to relationship conflict and aggression; the daily diary study promises to be the first to examine daily alcohol-relationship conflict in a non-clinical sample, thereby addressing the importance of alcohol in naturally occurring relationship conflict; and lastly, both studies will consider the role of potential moderating variables, including propensity toward aggression, behavioral self-control and alcohol expectancies. This research is expected to provide important insight into the causal mechanisms underlying the alcohol-intimate partner aggression relationship. Funded with a grant of $1,938,596 from NIAAA, 2007-2012.
Testa/Livingston/ Dermen	Preventing Alcohol-related STD/HIV and Assault Alcohol use is implicated in many incidents of indiscriminate sex and sexual assault. In this study, Dr. Maria Testa is investigating whether reducing alcohol use among young women, through a parent-based intervention, may be an effective means of preventing STD/HIV infection and sexual assault. This randomized clinical trial will examine the effectiveness of a parent-based intervention designed to reduce binge drinking and negative sexual outcomes among women entering college. Funded by an award of $1,962,500 from NIAAA, 2003-2009.
Thompson/DiPirro	Evaluation of Neuropeptide Y as a Target for Cocaine Dependence Treatment Cocaine use and dependence exact a toll on the individual user and the community at large because cocaine-driven behavior is associated with a wide range of economic, biomedical, and social problems (e.g., crime, spread of disease, and neonatal drug exposure). Currently there are no recommended drug therapies for cocaine dependence. The proposed research will test the hypothesis that enhancing neuropeptide Y (NPY, a neurotransmitter) activity in the central nervous system will reduce heightened anxiety and cocaine-craving associated with short and long periods of abstinence from cocaine in an animal model of cocaine dependence. In particular, the ability of NPY agonists to reduce cue- and stress-induced cocaine seeking will be examined. The results will add to our understanding of the neurobiological substrates that underlie cocaine dependence and determine if the pursuit of medicinal compounds to enhance the activity of NPY in the brain in the treatment of cocaine dependence is warranted. Dr. Alexis Thompson’s co-investigator on the study is Dr. Jean DiPirro of Buffalo State College. Funded by a grant of $1,582,306 from NIDA, 2006-2011.
Walitzer/Dermen/ Connors	Dissemination of a MI-based Preparatory Procedure This study is investigating the dissemination and "real world" effectiveness of a motivational interviewing-(MI)-based preparatory procedure designed to reduce early attrition from alcoholism outpatient treatment. In order to study dissemination and adoption of the procedure, 150 New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) alcoholism outpatient clinics will be randomly assigned to one of three dissemination conditions. Researchers will examine the clinic sites' rates of client retention and client treatment outcome prior to and following dissemination. Funded by a grant of $2,670,633 from NIAAA, 2004-2009.
Welte/Barnes	Gambling and Substance Use Among Youth in the U.S. The goals of this study are to examine the prevalence of pathological gambling among U.S. youth; the relationship of youth gambling to neighborhood characteristics and the availability of gambling opportunities; and the relationship of youth gambling to other problem behaviors. A telephone survey will be conducted of 2,500 U.S. residents aged 14 to 21. The interview will cover gambling participation and pathology, alcohol/drug use and dependence, conduct disorder, and peer gambling. Census data will characterize each respondent’s neighborhood. A state-level data set will characterize the permissiveness of each state’s gambling laws and the availability of gambling opportunities in that state. Data analyses will examine the demographic and regional patterns of gambling behavior and pathology among U.S. youth. Further analyses will predict gambling behavior and pathology from geographic variables including permissiveness of state gambling laws and neighborhood social disadvantage, and examine the co-morbidity between pathological gambling and substance dependence as well as conduct disorder. Funded by a grant of $1,827,000 from NIMH, 2003-2008.
Wieczorek/Welte/ Nochajski/Marczynski/ Wong	Initiation and Continuation of Drinking and Driving Behavior This study, led by Dr. William Wieczorek of Buffalo State College, is an investigation of the etiology of driving while intoxicated with the goal of informing prevention and intervention efforts. A fourth wave of interviews will be added to the three waves collected by the Drinking and Delinquency in Young Men Study led by Dr. John W. Welte from 1991-97. At that time, 625 young men (ages 16-22) were interviewed. These men will be re-interviewed to collect data on psychological traits, problem behaviors, and family information. Census data and neighborhood geographic information, such as the density of alcohol outlets, will be added to the interview data. The specific goals include developing models of the initiation of drinking-driving behavior, long-term prospective models of continued drinking-driver behavior, and an examination of the impact of various geospatial methods of aggregating point data (e.g., alcohol outlets) into geographic units for use in multilevel and individual models of drinking and driving. The models developed will include the psychological, deterrence, substance abuse, family, and neighborhood measures necessary to identify possible interventions. Co-Investigators include Dr. John W. Welte, RIA, Dr. Thomas Nochajski, UB’s Department of Social Work, Dr. Kelly Marczynski, Buffalo State College, and Dr. David Wong, George Mason University. Funded by NIAAA to Dr. Wieczorek, Buffalo State College, subaward to RIA, 2008-2012.
Windle	Vulnerability Factors and Drinking in Adulthood Dr. Michael Windle, of Emory University in Atlanta, is continuing his Middle Adolescent Vulnerability Study of factors that place adolescents at risk for substance abuse with Western New York high school students and their families while at RIA. The study is now in its third phase and the average age of participants is 28 years. The project has expanded to include both mothers and fathers, as well as the spouses of the young adults (53% are now married). The areas of investigation have also expanded to include physical health, exercise, and dietary habits. Renamed the "Lives Across Time Study," results to date include the finding that youth who demonstrate problem drinking in adolescence are three and one half times more likely to have alcohol problems in young adulthood. In addition, they are four times more likely to manifest a substance use disorder. Gender differences in patterns of binge drinking -- six drinks or more on one occasion -- across early adulthood were indicated and were predicted by adolescent levels of delinquency and alcohol use. Subaward from from Emory University, 2006-2010.
Wu/Houston	Neurophysiological and Behavioral Characteristics of Heavy Drinkers and Aggressive Drivers This pilot study combines both biological and human factors approaches to inform transportation safety. The project examines the potentially interactive effects of aggressive driving and heavy drinking history on neurophysiological (event-related brain potentials) and behavioral measures during a driving simulation task. In addition, computational modeling techniques will be applied to the experimental data to enhance the development of a driver-adaptive workload management system to optimize driver workload and improve transportation safety. Funded by the UB Interdisciplinary Research Fund to Dr. Changxu Wu, UB Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and subaccount to Dr. Rebecca Houston, RIA, 2008.
Zhuang/Richards	Genetic and Behavioral Dissection of Inhibitory Control This study is investigating biochemical changes underlying impaired inhibitory control in dopamine transporter expression (DAT knockdown) mice. Researchers will test the hypothesis that impaired postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptor function underlies impaired inhibitory control using a pharmacological rescue approach. They will also test the hypothesis that impaired D2 receptor function underlies impaired inhibitory control using mice that lack or have reduced postsynaptic D2 receptors. Funded by NIMH to Dr. Xiaoxi Zhuang, University of Chicago’s Neurobiology/Pharmacology/Physiology Department; subaward to Dr. Jerry Richards, RIA, 2003-2008.
Clinical Research Center (CRC) The Clinical Research Center at the Research Institute on Addictions was established in 1990 and is part of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The CRC is certified by New York State. The CRC is the only alcoholism and substance abuse treatment program in New York State designed specifically for clinical research. As such, the CRC plays an important role in developing and evaluating methods of addictions treatment. Through their involvement in clinical treatment research, the CRC staff are informed of the latest developments in substance abuse assessment and treatment issues. A unique strength of the CRC is the ability to test and apply innovative treatment strategies within the context of carefully controlled research protocols to determine appropriate clinical treatments. Additionally, the CRC staff carefully monitor treatment outcomes, thus enhancing services to clients.