Dr. Scott Barrett
Rsch Asst Professor Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact
- Address
-
BURN 238
Lincoln, NE 68588-0308 - Phone
-
402-472-3721 On-campus 2-3721
-
scott.barrett@unl.edu
Biography: Scott Barrett is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His research focuses on the application of preclinical models and behavioral economic methods to improve our understanding of the reinforcing and reinforcement-modulating effects of drugs. Of especial interest is the role of pharmacological reinforcement-modulation in polysubstance use. His current research applies these techniques specifically to the problem of comorbid nicotine and alcohol use. He earned his PhD in psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and his undergraduate from Utah State University.
Project Summary: This project aims to characterize the value-enhancing effects of nicotine on alcohol consumption and additional reinforcement by sweetening agents commonly found in mixed alcoholic beverages. This study will employ a behavioral economic demand methodology to characterize and compare the value-enhancing effects of nicotine on a range of caloric and noncaloric sweeteners, with or without alcohol, in male and female rats. The methods and findings of this research will inform future studies examining the role of pharmacological reinforcement-modulation in exacerbating alcohol use, and will provide a foundation for other basic and clinical scientists to develop more effective treatment strategies.