Within the science of clinical psychology, Dr. McChargue's broad research interests have been a) to study the basic mechanisms that underlie substance use among those prone to co-morbid mental and physical illness and b) to use such information to inform treatment development efforts for the same population. Specific areas of interest are among smokers with co-morbid major depression, obesity and/or hypertension; college binge drinkers with childhood sexual abuse histories; endophynotypic mechanisms of binge drinking and eventual alcohol dependence; trauma and substance dependence; mood regulation treatment development for substance use disorders; behavioral activation treatment for substance use disorders and for diabetic patients with depression; social anxiety barriers to treatment and tailored treatment for social anxiety; psychobiological deficits of methamphetamine users and how these deficits impact use and treatment outcome.

Much of Dr. McChargue's research is based on three theoretical considerations. First, co-morbid substance use and mental/physical health interact in such a way to affect the course and prognosis of both (NIDA, 2009). Second, co-morbidity is driven partially by genetic/neurobiological vulnerabilities (Koob & Le Moal, 2001; Robinson & Berridge, 2001) and partially by self-medicating behavior (Khantzian, 1997; 2003); theoretically, producing a disproportionately stronger motivation/effort (wanting) to obtain the substance despite diminished hedonic drug effects (liking). Third, contemporary treatments fail to address such vulnerabilities (SAMHSA, 2005). As such, Dr. McChargue's overarching goals are designed to improve the gaps in knowledge related to such assumptions and to improve treatment targeting such co-morbidity.

To accomplish these goals, Dr. McChargue has developed research partnerships with university and community agencies. He has also integrated clinical training within his research agenda at a variety of agencies (see Clinical Opportunity tab). Dr. McChargue supervises the direct services provided through these clinical opportunities.

The services provided include:

• Manualized brief motivational enhancement treatment for college binge drinkers
• Evidence-based individual psychotherapy targeting the mental health issues of university and community clients with co-morbid substance use disorders.
• Evidence-based individual psychotherapy targeting substance use problems of university and community clients
• 4-12 week manualized group therapies for patients in residential and outpatient substance use treatment programs. Group treatments being developed and tested by Dr. McChargue?s lab included social anxiety, behavioral activation and experiential anger management. We are also disseminating a seeking-safety treatment for women felons with co-morbid trauma and substance use histories.