Substance Use Studies
Dr. Lisdahl's primary focus is on the neurocognitive consequences of chronic drug use during adolescence and emerging adulthood and predictors of substance use onset in youth. More specifically, using magnetic resonance imaging (structural MRI, fMRI and DTI) and neuropsychological assessment, Dr. Lisdahl’s laboratory examines the effects of chronic marijuana, alcohol, nicotine and ecstasy use on brain structure and function. We also attempt to explain individual differences by examining whether genetics, gender or lifestyle factors such as aerobic exercise, physical activity, or adiposity (body fat distribution) moderate these effects.
Effects of Physical Activity & Marijuana Use on Frontolimbic Functioning During Adolescence: An fMRI Study (in data-analysis)
Dr. Lisdahl was the PI on a NIDA-funded 7 year R01 project examining whether physical activity levels or cardiorespiratory fitness ameliorate the negative consequences of chronic marijuana use on frontolimbic connectivity in teens and emerging adults utilizing functional and structural MRI. As part of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), a 1.5-year merit-based extension to R01DA030354-01 was approved.
Effects of SLC6A4, BDNF and Ecstasy Use on Brain Structure in Young Adults (in data-analysis)
Dr. Lisdahl was the PI on a NIDA-funded R03 DA027457 project examining the neurocognitive effects of marijuana, ecstasy and binge drinking in emerging adults. 09/01/2009 - 08/31/2012