CAAS research focuses on improving the lives of adults and youth using opioids, stimulants, and/or combination with other drugs including adulterant (e.g. xylazine) through research spanning the continuum of basic, translational, clinical, and implementation science. Researchers have developed novel biobehavioral approaches, pharmacological treatments and neurotherapeutics, and are working with patient and community partners to improve the quality and availability of evidence-based treatments for marginalized populations. At the intersection of the opioid epidemic and the criminal legal system, research aims to dismantle the framing of substance use disorder as a criminal justice issue and reframes it as the public health issue it is.

Our research on improving treatments for opioid and other substance use disorders is targeted to the unique needs of patient populations from adolescents to older adults and their family members, and includes addressing co-morbid health concerns (i.e. chronic pain). Dissemination and knowledge mobilization efforts aim to provide the community and healthcare practitioners with accurate, accessible information about prevention, etiology, and treatment of opioid and other substance use disorders. For example: educational tools about medication treatment for opioid use disorders as well as development and dissemination of virtual trainings for healthcare providers focused on promoting safe and effective prescription opioid use for youth experiencing pain.