The Story Science Tells: COVID-19, Addiction and Mental Health

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Reserve your spot now for our next HRI Talks event on March 30th, a free virtual discussion featuring James MacKillop, PhD.

Woman looking at data on computer screensCOVID-19 has disrupted all domains of health care in Canada. Tragic increases in opioid overdose and reports of mental illness have been met with strengthened efforts to understand and address impacts of the pandemic on our mental health.

Two years into the pandemic, research has revealed important findings about COVID-19, mental health and addiction, and it’s not all bad news. Data shows both troubling trends and patterns of resilience among Canadians.

In this HRI Talk, Dr. James MacKillop explores recent discoveries about COVID-19, mental health and substance use, including drinking and cannabis use. He shares evidence of resilience and findings that can guide resource allocation to help people living with mental illness and addiction. This is a free, public event. A moderated discussion will be followed by a live Q&A with audience members.

Featuring:

James MacKillop, PhD

HRI Senior Scientist
Peter Boris Chair in Addictions Research
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Translational Addiction Research
Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research
Director, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University

Moderator:

Jean Costello, PhD

Director of Evaluation, HRI

About Dr. James MacKillop:

Dr. MacKillop integrates concepts and methods from psychology, economics, and neuroscience to generate unique insights into addiction. He applies a translational approach that aims to turn research discoveries into clinical practice to benefit human health as quickly as possible. His research program has generated more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and other works, and has been recognized by awards from Society for Addiction Psychology, the Research Society on Alcoholism, the American Psychological Association, and the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation.