Biography
Frederic C. Blow, Ph.D. is a Professor and Director of the U-M Addiction Center in the Department of Psychiatry. He is a career researcher and educator in the field of alcohol and substance use screening, interventions, and treatments. The large body of his work has been directed to providing the research base and training scholars and clinicians alike. Dr. Blow currently has two NIAAA grants and has had continuous funding from the NIAAA since 1988, and extensive funding from NIDA, VA, and NIMH during the same period. He has led many federally-funded studies including international and US training grants focused on substance misuse and abuse.
Dr. Blow has a long history of funding related to research and program evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based treatments for substance use and mental health disorders. His areas of research expertise include alcohol brief interventions in healthcare settings, substance abuse prevention, substance abuse screening and diagnosis for older adults, serious mental illness and concurrent substance abuse, suicide prevention, mental health services research, and implementation of evidence-based substance abuse and mental health practices.
Areas of Interest
- Alcohol Abuse
- Older Adults
- Suicide Prevention and Serious Mental Illness
- Mental health services research
Featured News

Deaths From Substance Abuse Rose Sharply Among Older Americans in 2020
Dr. Frederic C. Blow is quoted concerning the implications of drug use in older adults.
The Importance of Tackling Addiction and The Stigma Associated With It
Listen to The Wrap podcast, also available as a video to watch, and learn more about an upcoming event on February 22

Covid ‘Cocktail Crisis’ Adds to America’s Serious Drinking Problem
Frederic Blow, Ph.D., was quoted in this story on how COVID-19 stresses have fueled the drinking pandemic, increasing the risk of premature death, especially for middle-aged adults.
The Wrap Podcast Provides Tips & Resources to Tackle Alcohol and Substance Abuse During COVID-19
Frederic Blow, Ph.D., Director of the U-M Addiction Center, discusses alcohol and substance abuse during times of crisis and stress.
Credentials
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania; Ph.D.
- University of Maine at Orono, Orono, Maine; M.A. (Psychology)
- University of Maine at Orono, Orono, Maine; B.A. (High Honors and High Distinction in Psychology)