Patrick Johnson

Patrick Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at California State University, Chico. He holds a PhD from Utah State University (2012). His research focuses on behavioral economics, psychopharmacology, and addiction, with emphasis on decision-making processes related to substance use and HIV/STI risk behaviors. He examines how pharmacological agents (e.g., stimulants, oxytocin) and contextual factors influence impulsivity, delay discounting, and risk-taking.

Key research areas include cocaine/methamphetamine effects on sexual behavior and decision-making, alcohol's impact on condom use, and the role of delay discounting in predicting health outcomes. He has conducted randomized controlled trials evaluating pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence and developed behavioral economic tasks to assess drug demand (e.g., Blinded-Dose Purchase Task). His work bridges laboratory and real-world applications in substance use treatment populations.

Johnson's research integrates behavioral analysis, neuropharmacology, and public health perspectives. He maintains an active research program with over 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2008, exploring topics ranging from ADHD's effects on sexual decision-making to novel drug use patterns. His lab website is here.