Research Summary

Our Mission

The overarching focus of the Tobacco Harm Reduction and Use (THRU) Lab is to understand the basic behavioral process driving addiction to nicotine and tobacco products and to develop novel, scalable interventions to reduce tobacco-related harm. We are specifically interested in identifying the shared and unique behavioral processes driving addiction to different tobacco products (combustible cigarette, e-cigarettes) and unding the impact that e-cigarettes can have on reducing harm related to combustible cigarette smoking. The THRU lab conducts many kinds of research, including both observational studies and randomized controlled trials. We are also at the forefront of integrating traditional data collection approaches (surveys, behavioral laboratory, biomarkers) with novel data collection paradigms (ecological momentary assessment; EMA) to better understand how individual characteristics can impact dynamic processes in the real world.

Current Research

The THRU lab currently has two main areas of focus. 1) Understanding cross-conditioning between combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes by investigating attentional bias (in the laboratory and in the real world) and cue reactivity and their relationship to craving, use, and dependence for these products; and 2) Investigating whether providing complimentary e-cigarettes to individuals (current focus: asthma) who are unable or unwilling to quit combustible cigarettes smoking using gold-standard treatments can facilitate reduced smoking/substitution, improved respiratory symptoms, and improved biomarkers of exposure, toxicity, and inflammation. We collaborate with many behavioral researchers, pulmonologists, allergy/immunologists, chemists, and research staff including research assistants, nurse practitioners, project coordinators, and lab technologists to achieve our aims.

Upcoming Research

We have many research ideas in development focused on basic behavioral science, methodology, and policy. Some of our goals include re-evaluating research informing policy decisions, investigating the interplay between tobacco and cannabis on sleep, and expanding our research on complimentary e-cigarette provision to include other at-risk populations.

Alexander Sokolovsky is the Principal Investigator of the THRU lab. If you are interested in working with the THRU lab, we are interested in working with you. Please reach out!