Software programs have been developed to support continuos recording and categorization of behavior. Thus, the residential facility provides a controlled, naturalistic setting uniquely suited for objective, yet non-invasive investigations of the relationships between biological, psychological and social variables and human behavior. The mission of the LHBP is two-fold. First, through its research, the LHBP aims to elucidate the biological, pharmacological and environmental factors that contribute to drug abuse. Research in the LHBP uses principles of pharmacology and behavioral analysis to determine the behavioral and neuropharmacological underpinnings of drug abuse and dependence.
Facilities are available for the conduct of outpatient and inpatient studies.
A computerized data-collection system custom designed for the conduct of human behavioral pharmacology studies used, and completely automates the collection of relevant behavioral and physiological data. Because the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of drugs contribute to their abuse, the research activities conducted at LHBP provide basic information that is necessary for the development of improved behavioral treatments as well as for the development of medications to treat alcohol and drug abuse.