Welcome to the REAL Lab (Recovery in Everyday Life), based in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior within the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University at Buffalo.
Our research explores the everyday experiences that contribute to health and well-being among individuals who have made significant changes in their alcohol and/or other substance use. We are interested in understanding recovery as it unfolds in daily life, recognizing that lasting change is shaped by much more than substance use alone.
The REAL Lab approaches addiction and recovery through a well-being lens. Rather than focusing solely on reducing or stopping substance use, we examine the broader experiences that influence recovery, including emotional well-being, relationships, quality of life and other aspects of everyday living. We also take a harm reduction approach, meeting individuals where they are in the process of making positive changes in their substance use.
To better understand these experiences, our research uses innovative real-time data collection methods, including ecological momentary assessment (EMA), which captures participants' thoughts, emotions and behaviors as they occur throughout daily life. This approach provides a more complete picture of how well-being changes over time and how those changes relate to recovery.
By viewing addiction through a well-being framework, we seek to advance the science of recovery and generate knowledge that supports healthier, more sustainable outcomes. Because well-being is closely linked to long-term health behavior change, we believe it should be a central measure of recovery—not simply an outcome that is considered after substance use has changed.