
Drugs, Alcohol and Addictive Behaviours
This research theme focuses on work around identification and intervention for legal and illicit substance use and misuse, and encompasses other addictive behaviours such as gambling.
Our activity is based on research that has clear relevance to reducing drug, alcohol or gambling-related harms.
We have a number of externally funded projects and related postgraduate researchers. Our recent portfolio of activity includes:
- The use of smartphone / wearable tech to monitor and intervene with opiate users (NHS funded)
- Identification & Brief Advice (alcohol) for adolescents in ED settings (NIHR funded)
- Identification & Brief Advice (alcohol) in CJS settings (University of Surrey funded)
- Substance use in the independent schools sector (MSc)
- Inoculation against binge drinking (PhD)
- Gambling and Social Responsibility messages (PhD)
Our work is disseminated through a variety of outputs (edited books, peer reviewed journals, conference presentations, broadcast / social media) and creates impact through citations in treatment and policy guidelines, briefing papers and evidence updates.
We utilise both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and have a track record of carrying out research collaboratively with colleagues outside the School of Psychology – locally, nationally and internationally.
Research group members
Research group lead

Dr Bob Patton
Lecturer in Clinical Psychology & Lead for the Drugs, Alcohol & Addictive Behaviours Research Group
Research group members

Professor Mark Cropley
Professor of Health Psychology

Dr Bernadette Egan
Senior Research Fellow/Deputy Director NIHR Research Design Service South-East

Professor Heather Gage
Professor of Health Economics

Mary John
Head of the School of Psychology

Professor Jane Ogden
Professor of Health Psychology

Dr Clive Tobutt
Teaching Fellow in Integrated Care (Mental Health Nursing)
Postgraduate researchers

Ogochukwu Winifred Odeigah
PhD Student
External collaborators

Grant Devilly
Griffith University

Colin Drummond
King's College London

Christos Kouimtsidis
SABP NHS Trust, Imperial College London, Predicticare (USA) Inc.