The Story Science Tells

The Story Science Tells: COVID-19, Addiction and Mental Health
Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Time: 7-8 PM (ET)

COVID-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 by governments, researchers and clinicians 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 shared key discoveries from research exploring the effects of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use, including drinking and cannabis use. He shared evidence of resilience and findings that can guide resource allocation to help our friends and loved ones experiencing 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 trained as a clinical psychologist at the State University of New York at Binghamton and Brown University. Integrating concepts and methods from psychology, economics, and neuroscience, Dr. MacKillop conducts a program of research using behavioral economics and neuroeconomics to understand addiction. By leveraging perspectives from several complementary fields, his work generates unique insights into addiction.

Dr. MacKillop 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.

*HRI Talks are open to everyone. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all attendees to learn and engage. Disruptive or inappropriate activity, including (but not limited to) bullying or hate speech, will result in removal from the webinar.

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