SoAP Box Sound Bites: What Advice Would You Share With Someone Just Starting Out in the Addiction Psychology Field?

What advice would you share with someone just starting out in the addiction psychology field?

Liana S. E. Hone, MS, MPH, PhD
University of Florida

The addiction psychology field is not a static one. Best practices and terminology are constantly changing, and new ideas are rapidly pushing the field forward, which can be confusing when starting out. So, read seminal literature but don’t be afraid to ask questions that challenge the ideas you read.

Nathan T. Kearns, PhD
Brown University School of Public Health

Familiarize yourself with both historical and current contextual factors (e.g., national/global stigma, legalization status[es], media attention) that may impact your foci in addictive behaviors/psychology. This knowledge base will be critical in interpretation of past, current, and future research.

Melissa Schick, MA
University of Rhode Island

My number one piece of advice to anyone starting out in any field is to get involved! Division 50 has a lot of opportunities for students to engage with, which is a great way to network and get your name out there to other addiction researchers!

In 50 words or less, please respond to the following prompt—In what ways can we ensure that we continue to provide excellent addictions training during the COVID-19 pandemic? Please submit to dana.litt@unthsc.edu by February 1, 2021.