Dr. Rabin’s research program focuses on developing a better understanding of the neurocognitive and social cognitive dysfunction in individuals with substance use disorders in both psychiatric (e.g., schizophrenia) and non-psychiatric populations. Her group is using a combination of neuroimaging approaches, such as MRI and EEG, to help characterize the underlying structural and functional mechanisms associated with these impaired processes. In parallel, we are also modeling the longitudinal trajectory of neurocognitive function and neurobiological changes that occur with short-term and protracted abstinence. More insight into the complex interplay between drug use, the brain, cognitive function, and behavior may help elucidate novel therapeutic targets as well as pinpoint optimal windows for treatment efficacy for individuals suffering from (co-morbid) substance use disorders.

Dr. Rabin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from McGill University and her Masters and PhD in Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto. She completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the Department of Psychiatry before joining McGill University as an Assistant Professor in 2020.

T32 Institutional Training Grant (2017, 2018, 2019) – Drug Abuse Training Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (2016) – Canadian Institute of Health Research

Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship (2014, 2015) – Canadian Institute of Health Research

We are currently accepting inquiries for a Research Assistant position. We are also interested in mentoring undergraduate and graduate trainees. Those interested should send a cover letter and CV to: rachel.rabin@mcgill.ca 

Rabin RA, Kozak K, Zakzanis KK, Remington G, George TP (2018). Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence on Clinical Symptoms in Cannabis Dependent Schizophrenia Patients Versus Non-Psychiatric Controls. Schizophrenia Research, 194, 55-61.

Rabin RA, Barr MS, Goodman MS, Herman Y, Kiang M, Zakzanis KK, Kish SJ, Remington G, George TP (2017). Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence on Cognitive Outcomes in Cannabis Dependent Schizophrenia Patients and Non-Psychiatric Controls. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42, 2259-2271.

Rabin RA and George TP (2015). A Review of Co-Morbid Tobacco and Cannabis Use Disorders: Possible Mechanisms to Explain the High Rates of Co-Use. The American Journal on Addictions, 24, 105-116.

Rabin RA, Zakzanis KK, Daskalakis ZJ, George TP (2013). Effects of Cannabis Use Status on Cognitive Function in Males, with Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Research, 206, 158-165.

Rabin RA, Zakzanis KK, George TP (2011). Effects of Cannabis Use on Neurocognition in Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis. Schizophrenia Research, 128, 111-116.