Welcome

The Vermont Center on Behavior and Health (VCBH), led by Director Stephen T. Higgins, PhD, is an interdisciplinary research center committed to investigating relationships between personal behavior patterns (i.e., lifestyle) and risk for chronic disease and premature death. Our work has historically focused on health disparities for the most vulnerable populations, particularly among the socioeconomically disadvantaged where these risk factors are overrepresented.

 

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Located in Burlington, VT at the University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, VCBH researchers have a specific focus on understanding mechanisms underpinning risk and developing effective interventions and policies to promote healthy behavior. A common thread across VCBH research projects is the application of knowledge from the disciplines of behavioral economics and behavioral pharmacology to increase understanding of vulnerability to unhealthy behavior and the use of incentives and other behavioral and pharmacological interventions to support healthy behavior change interventions and policies.

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Upcoming VCBH Events

Monthly Lecture Series:

November 20:
Joseph McClernon, PhD
Duke University

December 18:
Hugh Garavan, PhD
University of Vermont

Visit the Center on Rural Addiction

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VCBH Career Opportunities

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Click here for more information.

VCBH News

PTSD and OUD Study Highlighted in News

May 16, 2022 by Nicole Twohig

This month, local news affiliate WCAX interviewed VCBH Project Leader and Assistant Professor Kelly Peck, PhD about his prolonged exposure therapy (PET) study that examines cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for PTSD in people currently receiving buprenorphine or methadone medication maintenance.

This month, local news affiliate WCAX interviewed VCBH Project Leader and Assistant Professor Kelly Peck, PhD about his prolonged exposure therapy (PET) study that examines cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for PTSD in people currently receiving buprenorphine or methadone medication maintenance.

Past research conducted and published in journals such as Drug and Alcohol Dependence has shown that higher rates and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are observed in individuals with OUD, and higher rates and severity of OUD are seen in individuals with PTSD.

Dr. Peck explained that he and his team “are applying that knowledge -- and proof -- that prolonged exposure therapy effectively treats those symptoms in people who’ve been prescribed methadone or buprenorphine. Since PTSD is prevalent in people with opioid use disorder, Peck is examining how the two treatments supplement one another for a better overall outcome.”

To learn more about the PET study or get involved, visit the study site.