My research is aimed at: (1) developing and evaluating treatments for patients with co-occurring opioid use disorder (e.g., prescription opioids, heroin) and chronic pain (i.e., physical pain lasting at least 3 months); (2) examining the role of sociocultural, psychological, and biological factors in the occurrence and treatment of pain and addictions (e.g., eating disorders, gambling, substance-related disorders).
Specialized Terms: Addictions; Chronic Pain; Opioid Dependence; Psychotherapy; Pharmacotherapy; Culture
NIH-Funded Studies
(a)The Collaboration Linking Opioid Use Disorder and Sleep ("CLOUDS") Study is a longitudinal study that examines the associations between sleep, substance use, pain, and psychiatric factors among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder.
(b) Stepped Care for Patients to Optimize Whole Recovery ("SC-POWR) is a clinical trial that examines the relative effectiveness of treatment-as-usual for patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder in opioid treatment programs comprising medication for opioid use disorder and brief counseling versus treatment-as-usual enhanced by a stepped-care approach involving cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, and stress management.
APT-funded Studies
My colleagues and I are conducting mixed method studies to better understand the clinical needs of patients with opioid use disorder with and without chronic pain and the experiences of their care providers.
Culture; Opioid-Related Disorders; Psychotherapy; Substance-Related Disorders; Chronic Pain; Psychiatry and Psychology
Chronic Diseases