HAPPY Lab

The HAPPY Lab research team, led by Dr. Emma Childs, consists of experienced clinical research coordinators, nursing staff, a psychiatrist, and undergraduate student research associates.

At the HAPPY lab, we are dedicated to understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and behavior. Recreational substance use is so widespread that it may even be considered usual. Over 80% of Americans aged 12 and over report lifetime use of a legal substance and 50% report lifetime use of an illicit substance. Yet, only a relatively small proportion of these people will progress to a pattern of unhealthy use. Our research is strongly committed to understanding the biological reasons why some people may be protected against developing problematic substance use while others are not. ​ We are also passionate about public education. As a publicly funded research group, we are responsible for communicating new findings and providing informational resources on the effects of different drugs. It is equally important for us to provide guidance and tips for people to evaluate and control their own substance use, and also supply information on evidence-based treatments and how to access help if needed. Finally, we are devoted to ending the stigma of drug and alcohol use disorders. This stigma perpetuates suffering and prevents people from seeking help (less than 10% of people with a use disorder receive any treatment). Stigma also counteracts public health initiatives that are proven effective at reducing harm due to drug use.