One of Europe’s leading research centres

We are one of the most productive addictions research groups in Europe. In the 2013 Rand Europe analysis of influential research from UK universities, Substance Abuse Research at the National Addiction Centre was identified as leading the field, contributing 13% of all Highly-Cited Publications over a 10-year period (2002-2011). We represent one of the chosen areas of important health-related study as the newly created Addictions Clinical Academic Group (CAG) within King’s Health Partners, and form one of the core areas of the Academic Health Science Centre that brings together university partners King’s College London with the NHS from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital, and Guy’s and St Thomas’. Substance Use Disorders is one of the main themes of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health which is based at the Institute of Psychiatry, , Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).

Forty years of research excellence
The emphasis of our research is on ‘what works’ in the prevention and treatment of substance-related problems: the NAC represents a network of clinicians, researchers and clinical teachers who have a shared commitment to excellence in prevention and treatment work, and to supporting and strengthening national and international endeavours in this field. Over the last 40 years, the NAC has developed a body of research evidence that has informed the evidence base for the UK treatment system and the development of new treatment services for alcohol, smoking and drug problems. This work ranges from trials of new therapies and preventative treatments to studies seeking to understand the genetic and biological basis of addictive behaviour.

Partners
We work closely with the Addictions Directorate of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) to improve understanding of addiction to drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and to develop effective preventative and treatment interventions. Much of this research is carried out with the help of people with addictions who have been referred for treatment to services run by SLaM’s Addictions Directorate and is partly supported by the charity Action on Addiction, the only independent UK research charity dedicated to seeking new ways to prevent and treat nicotine, alcohol and drug abuse.

Annual research income
Approximately 1.7 million.

Number of staff and students
75 academic and research staff.

Recent publications and projects

A list of recent publications and projects can be viewed on the Department of Addictions webpage.

Partner organisations

South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

King’s College Hospital

Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital

Key Benefits

• Access to excellence in both applied research and development
• Interaction with internationally recognised researchers in a wide range of addiction related topics
• Demonstrated excellence in qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and trial research methods
• Strong partnerships with South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
• Access to rich and varied clinical populations
• Access to a wide range of educational resources and training within the department and at the King's level through the Researcher Development Programme