Centre for Drug use, Alcohol and Addictive Behaviour Research
Preventing and addressing harm from alcohol and other drug use, gambling, gaming and other addictive behaviour
How our research reduces harm
Centre for Drug use, Alcohol and Addictive Behaviour Research (CEDAAR) conducts research into the epidemiological, psychological, social and clinical aspects of addictive behaviours, with a view to reduce harm through best-practice approaches to prevention, policy and treatment
How our research drives health reform
Our aim is to inform evidence-based policy, treatment and prevention interventions, as well as providing service to the community.
Our approach is structured around three research questions:
- What matters in predicting, preventing and reducing harm from addictive behaviours?
- What works to prevent and reduce harm from addictive behaviours?
- What translates into sustainable policy, prevention and treatment programs for addictive behaviours?
Our research areas
The centre has five strategic areas of programmatic addictive behaviour research underpinned by our core principles.
Epidemiology
This 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 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.
Policy
This area focuses on shaping government and organisational policies on alcohol and other drug use, and gambling, while also evaluating their broader impact on the community.
Psychosocial determinants
This area explores the contextual determinants – including demographic, psychological, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational, social, health, familial, cultural, environmental, communal, commercial and societal domains – involved in the development, maintenance and treatment of addictive behaviours.
Treatment
This area focuses on developing, evaluating and applying evidence-based treatments for addictive behaviours. It includes traditional methods like cognitive-behavioral therapies and motivational interviewing, alongside third-wave treatments, transdiagnostic models, digital interventions and cognitive techniques.
Help us address our health challenges
When you study a PhD or enrol in postdoctoral research at CEDAAR, you'll be supported by world-renowned researchers. Discover a supervisor who could help you further your research career goals.
Addictive behaviours, such as excessive alcohol use and gambling, are among the most significant social challenges globally, yet many of their underlying causes are preventable. We are committed to understanding the factors that drive these behaviours across the lifespan and developing interventions and policies that reduce both the prevalence of these behaviours and the harms they cause.”
School of Psychology
Our researchers
CEDAAR brings together the expertise of researchers who use innovative approaches to understand and address the harm from AOD, gambling, gaming, and other addictive behaviours.
Professor Peter Miller is professor of violence prevention and addiction studies in the School of Psychology. He co-leads the Centre for Relationships, Trauma, Addiction and Aggression, and the Centre for Drug use, Alcohol and Addictive Behaviour Research.
Dr Stephanie Merkouris is a lecturer in the School of Psychology at Deakin and co-leader of Centre for Drug use, Alcohol and Addictive Behaviour Research. Her research expertise is in gambling and other behavioural addictions.
Featured projects
We collaborate with national and international partners from universities, health care providers and philanthropic organisations to increase our impact.
Supporting families and friends impacted by gambling harm
Research shows that one person's gambling problem can affect up to six others. Despite experiencing harm, family and friends often don't seek support, and existing options have limited effectiveness. Dr Stephanie Merkouris from our Centre developed GamblingLess for Families and Friends, an online self-directed program to help those impacted by a loved one's gambling.
Support for people experiencing gambling harm
'Just-in-time adaptive interventions' use mobile and wireless technologies to provide accessible, convenient and low-burden support. A study led by Professor Nicki Dowling and funded by the New South Wales Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund, examines the use of such interventions for people who are experiencing gambling harm.
Contact us
Stay in touch with us to hear about the latest alumni opportunities, research news and much more. Have a question? Get in touch with the team.
