College Health, Environment, & Experimental Research on Substances Lab

The CHEERS Lab, led by Dr. Emily Junkin, conducts research on early risk factors for alcohol and other substance use disorders with an ultimate goal of improving prevention efforts among at-risk groups. Because substance use disorders are most likely to onset in early adulthood, our research is primarily conducted among emerging adults aged 18-30. 

 

A current focus of the CHEERS Lab is on predictors and consequences of impaired control over alcohol use, which is an early indicator of risk for alcohol use disorder. Impaired control involves difficulty limiting or controlling drinking amounts. Impaired control is included as part of the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), and individuals in treatment for substance use disorders often identify impaired control as the first symptom of their disorder to onset. As such, the lab is dedicated to identifying risk and protective factors for impaired control to better understand the ways in which this symptom can be identified and reduced before individuals progress to more problematic levels of drinking. 

 

An additional goal of the CHEERS Lab is to establish a simulated bar laboratory in the School of Psychology at Southern Mississippi. A simulated bar lab allows for the experimental testing of alcohol-related cue exposure on drinking behaviors and other outcomes. This goal is in progress, and Dr. Junkin aims to have the bar lab completed in the next 2-3 years.