Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, PhD

My research is focused on developing a biobehavioral understanding of the underpinnings of alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and marijuana use, in adolescent and adult populations, and developing new pharmacological and behavioral interventions to reduce and prevent use of these substances. My more recent work has focused on developing scientific evidence to support national and international tobacco regulatory efforts.

Specialized Terms: Substance use; Alcohol; Tobacco; Marijuana; Adolescent; Developmental; Prevention; Cessation; Biobehavioral

My research is focused on developing novel and effective treatments for substance use behaviors among youth and adults. Among youth, this work involves understanding the prevalence and bio-behavioral underpinnings of risk taking behaviors, using a developmental perspective, and behavioral and neuroimaging methods, and translating this information into optimal prevention and cessation intervention that use experimental, behavioral and pharmacological methods. While most of this work has focused on tobacco use behaviors, we have also extended these efforts to alcohol and marijuana use among youth. My research is also focused on developing empirical scientific evidence to support national and international tobacco regulatory efforts. Among adults, my work has focused using a translational approach to developing and evaluating medications to reduce alcohol drinking among heavy drinkers.