Addictive Behaviours Lab
The Addictive Behaviours Lab (ABL) is headed by Dr. David Hodgins.
The lab focuses on gambling addiction and substance abuse, including the clinical condition of gambling disorder. Projects we are involved in investigate various aspects of the psychology and physiology of addictive behaviours, as well as potential treatment approaches.
In 2025 Dr. Hodgins was selected to deliver a Lecture of a Lifetime. Hosted by the UCalgary Senate, the Lecture of a Lifetime series features dynamic demonstrations of academic talent and achievement. In his lecture titled The Long and Winding Road: Insights into Addiction Recovery, Dr. Hodgins shared his extensive knowledge and perspectives on the complexities of addiction, and highlighted the impact of research and treatment innovations on the journey towards recovery.
The ABL works closely with researchers and policy makers on a local, provincial, and national level.
The Alberta Gambling Research Institute is a consortium of the University of Calgary, University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge. Its primary purpose is to support and promote research into gambling in the Province of Alberta.
The Addictions and Mental Health Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University is run by principal investigator Dr. Andrew (Hyounsoo) Kim. This lab focuses on utilizing scientific research to better understand the risk and protective factors of various substance and behavioural addictions and their mental health comorbidities.
The Substance Use & Gambling Laboratory is headed by Dr. Daniel McGrath, and focuses on the relationship between substance use and gambling addictions.
The Transdiagnostic Addiction Laboratory is located the University of Calgary under the direction of Dr. Igor Yakovenko. This lab focuses on factors that influence the development, maintenance, and treatment of substance abuse, and behavioral addictions such as video gaming and gambling. They are particularly interested in the co-occurrence of addiction and other psychiatric disorders.
CRISM is a collaborative project that includes researchers, service providers, policy makers, and people with lived experience of substance use.
Our Team
Learn about the students, staff, and volunteers in the Addictive Behaviours Lab.
Resources
Find psychological instruments for researchers, and tools for people who may be experiencing problems with their gambling, substance use, or mental health.
Research
Learn more about current and past research conducted in the lab, and view publications and conference posters
Participate in a Study
Interested in volunteering for one of our studies? Check to see if we're recruiting!