Addictive, Compulsive and Impulsive Disorders Research Program

The Addictive, Compulsive and Impulsive Disorders (ACID) research clinic, run by Dr. Jon Grant, has a variety of treatment services and clinical trial opportunities available in the areas of substance addiction, impulse control, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Our central areas of focus are in Substance and Behavioral addictions, including Pathological Gambling, Compulsive Shopping, Kleptomania (shoplifting), Pyromania (fire setting), Compulsive Sexual Addictions including Alcohol Dependency and Drug Dependency, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Skin Picking, Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) are often referred to as Behavioral Addictions. The term 'Behavioral' derives from the fact that patients with ICDs, in general, do not abuse a particular substance but rather engage in damaging behaviors such as gambling, shopping, shoplifting, fire setting, excessive grooming, etc. Much like those with substance addictions, individuals with ICDs often report urges to engage in a behavior that gives them short-term pleasure or excitement. A goal of our research is to identify pharmacological and psychotherapeutic means of reducing these urges that seem to lead to behavioral control. We conduct research to continue exploring pathophysiological links to addictions, ICDs and OCD and conduct clinical trials to develop improved treatments for our patients.