Current Projects

Development of Novel Polysubstance Assessment Tool

My K01 aims to develop and test the psychometric properties of a novel assessment tool to measure polysubstance use for high-risk vulnerable populations. The development of the novel assessment tool will consist of four phases. Phase one included formative qualitative research with a small group of key informants to inform the content and language of the tool. In phase two, the tool was developed, and an expert panel of researchers will assess content validity. After further edits, phase three piloted the tool through cognitive interviews with a PSU population. A research- and self-administered version were created and the fourth phase tested the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the novel tool in a large, independent sample (n=260). The tool will eventually have a risk scoring system, which will be informed by data gathered in phase four and additional studies.

Related publications:

Bunting AM, Cleland CM, Barratt SM, Griffin B, Williams J, Oser CB, Lee JD, McNeely J. The Polysubstance Assessment Tool: Reliability, acceptability and feasibility of a novel measure of polysubstance use. Addiction. 2026; online first.

Bunting AM, Griffin B, Rubens A, Lima D, Lam V, Bender M, Fawole A, McNeely J, Cleland CM. Refining a novel measure of polysubstance use: Applying the cognitive interview method with people who use drugs. Substance Use & Misuse. 2026; online first.

Bunting AM, Fawole A, Griffin B, Lee JD, Oser CB, McNeely J. “I Can Combine Those Things to be a Superhero” a Qualitative Study of the Motivations for High-Risk Polysubstance Use. Journal of Drug Issues. 2024 Aug 23.

Geographic Variation in Polysubstance Use Study (KY GAPS)

This project pilots an early version of the novel polysubstance assessment tool in an R01 longitudinal cohort (R01DA048876, PI: Oser) of persons recently released from prison in Kentucky. This project is embedded within my K01, with the goal to (1) understand rural-urban differences in polysubstance use and (2) further refine the polysubstance use tool’s risk scoring.

Adaption of the STAIR-NT Trauma Intervention for Polysubstance Populations

This innovative pilot will use three aims to adapt an existing evidence-based PTSD intervention, Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation with Narrative Therapy (STAIR-NT), via a massed treatment model (i.e., condensed treatment schedule) for patients in MMT who are engaged in illicit opioid-stimulant polysubstance use. The following are the study aims: (1) to adapt the evidence-based intervention STAIR-NT for polysubstance use populations informed by the ADAPT-ITT framework, (2) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the provisionally adapted STAIR-NT via an open pilot (n=10) to inform further adaptations, and (3) to conduct a small-scale randomized control pilot using the adapted intervention to examine implementation (i.e., feasibility and acceptability) and short-term polysubstance use and PTSD symptomology outcomes among MMT patients who are engaged in illicit opioid-stimulant polysubstance use. This project is a collaborative partnership with myself (MPI), Tanya Renn (FSU, MPI), and START Treatment & Recovery (Site PI, Ana Ventuneac).

Study Protocol:

Renn T, Griffin B, Kumaravelu V, Ventuneac A, Santacatterina M, Bunting AM. Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to adapt a posttraumatic stress disorder intervention of patients with opioid-stimulant polysubstance use receiving methadone maintenance treatment. BMC Psychiatry. 2024;24(1):879.

Nutrition in Opioid Recovery (NOIR) Study

For individuals with opioid use disorder, there is preliminary research to support a proposed pathway whereby poor nutrition leads to an increase in craving and a relatedly increase in opioid use behaviors. With the long-term goal to inform nutritional interventions to improve treatment retention among persons receiving medications for opioid use disorder, the current research will provide foundational insights into the dietary habits, unmet nutritional needs, food environment limitations, and micronutrient deficiencies of persons currently receiving methadone treatment. This collaborative partnership includes myself (MPI), Kimberly Dong (Tufts, MPI), and Khary Rigg (UCF, Co-I). We are conducting a survey of individuals enrolled in methadone in Florida and New York City. A subsample will be invited to a qualitative interview and a subsample will complete self-administered micronutrient testing.