DRAMA: Dynamic Research on Addiction and Momentary Assessment Lab (Waddell)

The Dynamic Research on Addiction and Momentary Assessment (DRAMA) Laboratory is a clinical psychology research laboratory at Arizona State University led by Dr. Jack Waddell, assistant professor of clinical psychology. In the DRAMA Lab, we seek to answer three fundamental questions:

What are the short-term and long-term outcomes associated with problem alcohol and cannabis use?
We seek to better understand short-term outcomes and harms associated with problem use behavior via our use of ecological momentary assessment methods. Further, using prospective longitudinal designs, we seek to understand long-term risk for the development of substance use disorders and other mental health concerns that may ensue from problem alcohol and cannabis use.

What are the developmental and acute risk factors associated with problem alcohol and cannabis use? 
By measuring alcohol and cannabis use in individuals’ daily lives, we seek to better understand acute factors that may help identify when, how and why alcohol and cannabis are used. Further, by tracking changes in alcohol and cannabis use across developmental transitions, we seek to better understand when and for whom problem alcohol and cannabis use develop over time. 

What are the outcomes and unique etiological factors associated with alcohol and cannabis co-use?
The laboratory has a keen interest in the simultaneous use, or co-use, of alcohol and cannabis together. We seek to understand how co-use impacts short- and long-term risks as compared to alcohol-only or cannabis-only use, as well as the unique aspects of development and daily life that uniquely relate to co-use of alcohol and cannabis together.