The research program of the institute consists of two working areas: (1) prevention and (2) epidemiology.

The working area prevention has the main purpose to develop population-relevant behavioral interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality of prevalent diseases as well as the underlying risk factors. The research projects are mainly based on the transtheoretical model, first described by Prochaska and DiClemente. This is also part of the epidemiological work. Furthermore, the Motivational Interviewing approach developed by Miller and Rollnick is of importance.

Prevention

• Research Collaboration in Early Substance Use Intervention (EARLINT)
• German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)

Epidemiology

• Transitions in Alcohol Consumption and Smoking (TACOS) 
  -Substance use in the adult population in a northern German region (TACOS 1)
  -Remission from alcohol dependence without formal help (TACOS 2)
  -Stages of change, utilization of care, and tobacco or alcohol consumption (TACOS 3)