For a full list of projects in the Department, please visit this page.

ADVANCE

Advancing theory and treatment approaches for males in substance misuse treatment who perpetrate intimate partner violence (Programme ADVANCE).

Find out more about the ADVANCE programme

International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (ITC Project)

The ITC Project was the first-ever international cohort study of tobacco use and provides a systematic evaluation of tobacco control policies (particularly those in the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control). The ITC Project involves over 100 collaborators worldwide and conducts cohort surveys in more than 25 countries. Prof Ann McNeill (a founding member since 2001) and Dr Sara Hitchman (joined 2006) lead the UK research, and have published 63 papers from the ITC Project.

The Stepping Stones Study

People treated for substance use problems also have an increased risk of many physical and mental health problems. Some of these problems, such as hepatitis C viral infection or the risk of suicide, have been researched extensively. However, long-term, potentially preventable, conditions such as skin and soft-tissue infections, liver disease, and breathing problems are poorly researched, despite becoming more common in this group. We are investigating the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilisation attributable to these conditions, and associated risk factors, in people treated for substance use.

Find out more about the Stepping Stones Study

ADAM - Alcohol Dependence and Adherence to Medications

Alcohol dependence causes considerable physical and mental health problems; the UK has experienced a consistent annual increase in alcohol related hospital admissions, including for alcoholic liver disease. Providing effective treatment for alcohol dependence and reducing alcohol related hospital admissions is therefore a priority. Acamprosate (Campral) may be prescribed to people who have had problems with alcohol to help reduce the risk of them drinking again. Many people who take this medication have problems taking it as regularly as it is prescribed and therefore may not be getting the full benefit from the medication. We are planning an intervention delivered by pharmacists via a central telephone service to help support people to take acamprosate as it is prescribed.

Find out more about ADAM

CODEMISUSED

Contemporary research has underscored the need for ‘increased pharmaco- vigilance’ around codeine dispensing as the most commonly consumed opiate worldwide. Although effects are milder than heroin, abuse potential remains of concern, with physical dependence occurring with regular use over a short period of time. Increases in treatment uptakes relating to codeine dependency and concerns for appropriate design of treatment protocols have been recorded globally. There is a clear need for the unique CODEMISUSED collaboration (Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, Kings College London, UK, Medical Research Council, South Africa, Cara Pharmacy Group, Ireland, Weldricks Pharmacy, UK and Leading Pharmacy Group, South Africa) to present data on codeine user (prescribed, over the counter, web retailed) profiles so as to inform the design of protective mechanisms in the pharmacy profession to track, monitor, support and refer codeine misusers.

Find out more about CODEMISUSED

SURE Recovery

Members of staff in the Addictions Department have developed a range of tools with and for people who use drugs and alcohol, to support people in recovery. This includes an app to measure recovery from drug and alcohol dependence. To find out more, visit our Scales, Measures & Instruments page.

Addiction support services

For advice and further information, please see below details for organisations that can provide support:

Release
For information on addiction services in your area, contact addictions charity Release:
By telephone - 0207 324 2989
By email - ask@release.org.uk
By completing a webform

FRANK
The Frank website includes an A to Z list of substances, including details of appearance and use, effects, chances of becoming addicted, health risks and UK law.
By telephone – 0300 123 6600 (available 24/7)
By email - frank@talktofrank.com

Drinkline
Drinkline is a free helpline for anyone worried about their own drinking or someone else’s.
Contact by telephone - 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm).

Adfam
Adfam is a national umbrella organisation working specifically with and for families affected by drugs and alcohol.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) Service Finder
Use this search to find mental health and addiction services, care and treatment provided by SLaM.

Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a 12 step programme for sobriety and personal recovery with the help of regular support groups. Al-Anon Family Groups (Al-Anon) provides support for families and friends affected by someone else’s drinking.