I strive to understand the complexities of substance use and how it is affected by context.
My research interests are aimed at uncovering the contextual mechanisms that drive substance use behavior. I am actively seeking collaboration with other researchers from any discipline to further my understanding.
Featured Publications
Reliability and Validity of Behavioral Economic Measures: A Review and Synthesis of Discounting and Demand
Miller, B. P., Reed, D. D., & Amlung, M. (2023). Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Examining the Effect of Cannabis Cues on Cannabis Demand in Sleep, Driving, and Typical Drug Use Contexts
Miller, B. P., Aston, E. R., Davis, W., Berey, B. L., Dowd, A. N., & Amlung, M. (2024). Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
Adaption of Commodity Purchase Tasks to Identify Suitable Substance-Free Alternative Activities for Alcohol Use
Weinsztok, S. C., Reed, D. D., Miller, B. P., & Amlung, M. (2023). Experimental & Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Recent Posts
ABOUT MY INTERESTS
My research interests involve exploring common behavioral processes and contextual factors that influence consumption of psychoactive drugs. I am interested in the use of behavioral economics and behavior analysis to examine changeable factors that alter preferences for drugs. My goal is to inform interventions for substance use disorders by identifying environmental factors that reliably predict and control substance use patterns.
CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS
Exploring the Effect of Next-Day Responsibilities on Substance Use
One robust protective factor against substance use is the presence of a next-day responsibility, such as having to work or take care of children. Using behavioral economics, we are analyzing how next-day responsibilities impact substance use.
Understanding Driving After Cannabis Use
Despite potentially negative consequences, people still drive after using cannabis. We are striving to better understand how people make decisions to drive after smoking cannabis through behavioral economics.
Using EMA to Predict Substance Use
Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a way of collecting longitudinal data through participants' smartphones. We are using EMA to determine moment-to-moment factors that influence drug use in real time.
CURRENT & PAST FUNDING
Lifetime Awarded: $6,500
Hawks for Hope Graduate Student Grant
Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment
05/01/24 - 04/30/26
$4,000
Innovative Student Research, Master's Thesis Grant
Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA)
06/01/22 - 05/31/23
$2,500