Sheffield Addictions
Research Group
Public health and health economic research on alcohol, tobacco, gambling and addiction.
The Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG) is based in the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield. Our innovative research, spanning from modelling the effects of policy interventions to understanding complex human behaviour, has directly shaped legislation and public health strategies in the UK and internationally.
Research areas
Alcohol
We are an international centre of excellence for public health research on alcohol. Since 2008 our alcohol research has played a key role in current policy and public debate.
Tobacco
We are continually expanding our portfolio of tobacco research, with a commitment to conducting policy-relevant research that can inform evidence-based interventions.
Gambling
We are actively engaged in emerging areas of gambling research, seeking to understand and address the complex issues surrounding addiction and public health.
Featured projects
Latest news
New project will use machine learning to help improve engagement in gambling addiction treatment
A new project led by Professor Matt Field at the University of Sheffield aims to significantly improve how people engage with treatment for gambling addiction, thanks to funding from the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling.
Increase in alcohol deaths in England an 'acute crisis'
The persistent higher rate of alcohol deaths in England since the pandemic in 2020 is an 'acute crisis' requiring urgent action from government, according to a new study led by researchers from University College London and the Sheffield Addictions Research Group.
SARG experts to present at IAS webinar on minimum unit pricing
SARG Director Professor John Holmes and Research Fellow Dr Abi Stevely will be sharing their extensive knowledge and insights on minimum unit pricing (MUP) at a webinar hosted by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).
New on the blog
Addiction isn't just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices
What drives addiction? Professor of Psychology Matt Field examines various potential explanations, ranging from brain alterations to individual choices. He introduces the concept of neuroeconomics, which studies how we make value-based decisions and offers a new way to understand the complexities behind addictive behaviours.
Latest journal papers
Research collaborations
