The centre has five strategic areas of programmatic addictive behaviour research underpinned by our core principles.
Psychosocial determinants
This research area focuses on understanding the underlying determinants involved in the development, maintenance and treatment of addictive behaviours. Contextual determinants can include those across demographic, psychological, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational, social, health, familial, cultural, environmental, communal, commercial and societal domains.
Epidemiology
This research area examines addictive behaviours in the general population and vulnerable population subgroups to identify their incidence and prevalence, explore trends in their patterns, investigate factors that might influence these trends over time and identify their associated harms.
Prevention
This research area applies life-course and developmental systems research to design and evaluate primary and secondary prevention approaches that prevent harm from addictive behaviours and enhance wellbeing across the lifespan.
Treatment
This research area involves the development, evaluation and translation of theoretically-informed, and evidence-based treatments for addictive behaviours. This encompasses traditional approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapies and motivational interviewing, and novel and innovative therapies, including third-wave treatments, transdiagnostic approaches, digital interventions and cognitive interventions.
Policy
This research area focuses on informing Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use and gambling government and organisational policy and initiatives, as well as evaluating their impact on the community.