Nearly 80 percent of adults in the United States with an alcohol use disorder also use nicotine in various forms. The lab of Dr. Patrick Randall focuses on gaining a better understanding of the underlying neurobiology that leads to and maintains nicotine and alcohol co-use.

Of particular interest is the role that the neuroimmune system plays in co-use. Dr. Randall and his colleagues have previously demonstrated that a single immune challenge produces both rapid and lasting changes to not only markers of immune function but also changes in brain regions related to drug-seeking behavior and corresponding increases in alcohol self-administration.

Dr. Randall has also previously shown through drug discrimination models that, when nicotine and alcohol are used in combination, they are perceived differently from either drug on its own, suggesting that the experience of using both is unique and an important factor in understanding co-use.

The Randall lab uses a variety of techniques, including comprehensive behavioral models and viral techniques, to probe the role of specific brain circuitry in addiction.