Addictive products, behaviours and systems

NIHR Policy Research Units (PRUs) undertake research to inform government and arms-length bodies making policy decisions about health and social care. The units create a critical mass of experts for research in priority areas for health and social care policy.

The NIHR PRU in Addictions is one of 20 new PRUs across England which were awarded over £100 million in total and commenced 1 January 2024.

The NIHR PRU in Addictions will work with the Department of Health & Social Care and other stakeholders, including professionals and people with lived and living experience of addictive behaviours. It will support identification, analysis, implementation, evaluation and adaptation of policies across the spectrum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery. There are five main themes:

• tobacco/nicotine
• alcohol
• illicit & other drugs
• gambling
• public and patient involvement and engagement

Ask the PRU in Addictions

The PRU in Addictions welcomes contact requests from addictions policy stakeholders who are interested in seeking advice on policy and research from a member of our expert academic team.

Please use this link and complete the form outlining the nature of your request. One of the team will reply to confirm a time slot and arrange a phone call or meeting between you and our researcher team. During the meeting an academic from the PRU will then speak to you about your request and follow up with a written report. We will also agree to follow up with you at a future date to review any outcomes from the meeting.

If you would like any further information before submitting a request, please contact the PRU in Addictions project manager Rhys Mason-Dunn at rhys.mason-dunn@kcl.ac.uk.

PRU in Addictions Disclosure of Interest (DOI)

The PRU in Addictions conducts research across areas including alcohol, drugs, gambling, and tobacco/nicotine—fields that are highly susceptible to undue influence and bias, particularly from powerful commercial actors with vested interests. Other potential sources of influence include governments, funders, advocacy groups, and systemic pressures within academia. To protect the integrity of our work and maintain trust among policymakers, the public, and other stakeholders, we have developed a Disclosure of Interests (DOI) policy. This policy helps researchers identify, manage, and reduce risks of external influence by promoting transparency and fostering a supportive environment. It outlines the types of interests and conflicts that may arise, offers guidance on how to navigate them, and encourages professional judgement and open discussion. Our approach is grounded in two core principles: transparency, requiring full disclosure of funding, support, and collaborations at all research stages; and respect, recognising the need for constructive dialogue and mutual trust when managing complex ethical considerations.

You can read the PRU’s Disclosure of Interest Policy at the following link: https://osf.io/download/9asyn/

This Policy Research Unit is funded by the NIHR. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.