Current Studies

Our primary research focus concerns understanding the nature and treatment of substance use disorders, with a particular interests in (1) the impact of negative affect-related vulnerabilities on the etiological, maintenance, and treatment of substance use disorders and (2) substance misuse among understudied groups, including individuals with co-occurring psychopathology, women, individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and LGBTQ individuals. Our translational approach to research is achieved using multiple research methodologies including randomized control trials, technology-based interventions, ecological momentary assessment, attention bias paradigms, laboratory-based induction of negative states (e.g., anxiety, craving, perceived discrimination).

Dr. Buckner has been involved in several NIH grants as PI, co-PI, consultant, and sponsor and is currently Project Director on a graduate education training grant from the US Department of Health & Human Services' HRSA. She has also received awards from organizations such as the American Psychological Association, College on Problems of Drug Dependence, Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Addictive Behaviors & Anxiety Disorders Special Interest Groups. Undergraduate and graduate students working under Dr. Buckner’s supervision have received awards from NIH as well as the American Psychological Association and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Addictive Behaviors & Anxiety Disorders Special Interest Groups.

Current projects include:

  • feasibility and acceptability of integrating MET-CBT for SUD (especially OUD) into inpatient settings
  • predictors of adherence and outcome during MAT clinic treatment
  • the utility of an on-line PFI for sanctioned college drinkers
  • the utility of an on-line PFI for sanctioned college cannabis users
  • the utility of an online PFI to reduce mental health stigma and increase treatment seeking
  • the utility of an online PFI to manage negative affect and risky drinking
  • the utility of an online PFI to manage NA, COVID-related distress, and cannabis misuse
  • the role of attentional bias in the relations between anxiety and cannabis
  • the impact of perceived discrimination on substance misuse among Black substance users
  • predictors and consequences of e-cigarette use
  • the utility of an integrated MET-CBT for smoking cessation and anxiety

For more information, please contact the Anxiety and Addictive Behaviors Lab at aabc@lsu.edu or 225-578-5778.