Hayes

Bridget B. Hayes

Postdoctoral Fellow in Addiction Recovery Science, University of Connecticut
Chapter Member: Connecticut SSN
Areas of Expertise:

Connect with Bridget

About Bridget

Hayes advances research on recovery from substance use disorder through the Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research (CHEARR). Drawing on lived experience in long-term recovery and professional experience as a sober living technician, Hayes examines peer-supported recovery and works to strengthen scientific understanding of recovery communities.

Publications

"Functional Impairment During Sustained Remission From a Substance Use Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Population Study" (with Sierra J. Castedo de Martell and Kristyn Zajac). Addictive Behaviors 180 (2026).

Examines whether individuals who have achieved long-term remission from a substance use disorder continue to experience challenges in daily functioning. Finds that some people experience ongoing functional impairments even after sustained remission, highlighting that recovery may involve continued difficulties beyond the resolution of substance use itself.

"Effects of Descriptive Information on Mental Representations of Probability and Future Behavior in the Context of Personal Experience" (with Eric R. Stone). Journal of Behavioral Decision Making 38, no. 4 (2025).

Explores how descriptive information influences the way people think about probabilities and anticipate future behavior in situations informed by personal experience. Reveals that the presentation of information can shape expectations and judgments about future outcomes, even when individuals have relevant experiences of their own to draw upon.

"Making Decisions One Drink at a Time and the “Just One Drink” Effect: A Fuzzy-Trace Theory Model of Harmful Drinking" (with Valerie F. Reyna and Sarah M. Edelson). Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research 48, no. 5 (2024): 889–902.

Investigates why people may continue engaging in harmful drinking despite intending to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Suggests that focusing on individual drinking decisions in isolation can make risky behavior seem acceptable, increasing the likelihood of patterns of harmful alcohol use over time.

"Annual Use and Perceived Need for Mental Health and Substance Treatment Among People in Remission From Substance Use Disorders in the United States" Drug and Alcohol Dependence 249 (2023).

Assesses the extent to which people in remission from substance use disorders continue to use or perceive a need for mental health and substance use treatment services. Finds that many individuals in remission still report ongoing treatment needs, underscoring the importance of continued support throughout the recovery process.

"Supporting Health and Medical Decision Making: Findings and Insights from Fuzzy-Trace Theory" (with Valerie F. Reyna, Sarah Edelson, and David Garavito). Medical Decision Making 42, no. 6 (2022): 741-754.

Explores how people make health and medical decisions and the factors that influence their understanding of risks, benefits, and treatment options. Highlights that individuals often rely on simple, meaningful interpretations of information when making health decisions, with important implications for improving communication and supporting better choices.