Centre for Addiction Research
The Centre for Addiction Research (CFAR) is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond through the generation of robust evidence to inform practice and policy around the understanding, prevention, and treatment of addiction.
CFAR aims to conduct impactful research that contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more equitable society. Our work seeks to inform national and international policy and practice, including examining the dangerous consumption industry and how it influences policy and society. The Centre is committed to disseminating research findings within and beyond the academic community to inform policy, practice and debate around the prevention and treatment of addiction. Additionally, through teaching and supervision, we continue to build an informed, ethical, and compassionate workforce in the field of addictions.
We are always open to seeking partnerships and engaging in collaboration with the aim of improving health and well-being outcomes for all. If you have an idea for collaboration and want to discuss further, please email cfar@auckland.ac.nz.
Our Research
The Centre for Addiction Research (CFAR) takes a broad, multi-disciplinary approach to addiction. Our research spans different levels of the study of addiction, from molecular investigations to community and cultural perspectives to societal impacts. We bring together a diverse group of addiction researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our members collaborate to investigate the causes, patterns, and impact of addictive behaviours. We also explore ways to reduce associated harms and evaluate interventions. By examining the effects of dangerous consumptions on individuals, communities, and society, we offer unique insights both nationally and internationally.
Our four research themes are:
- Patterns, causes and impact of addictive consumption use
- Intervention and treatment
- Public health and policy
- Cultural and community perspectives
Updates
CFAR Alcohol Research Symposium 2025
Kia ora! Please join us for our upcoming Alcohol Research Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Addiction Research (CFAR) on Friday, 12 September 2025. In this one day event we will focus on sharing current research and perspectives on alcohol related issues. This event...
CFAR Stimulant Research Symposium 2025
Kia ora! Join us for the Centre for Addiction Research (CFAR) – Stimulant Research Symposium on Thursday, 11th September 2025, a one-day event exploring the latest research on stimulant use. There will be diverse topics, ranging from prevention and policy through to...
Alcohol lobbying is a wild west of influence
In this op-ed, Professor Peter Adams explores how the close ties that the alcohol industry has with policymakers—especially around the administration of harm-reduction levies—undermine effective public health policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Leadership
Professor Antonia Lyons
Director of the Centre for Addiction Research
Professor Peter Adams
Associate Director of the Centre for Addiction Research
Associate Professor David Newcombe
Deputy Director of the Centre for Addiction Research
Dr Rodrigo Ramalho
Associate Director of the Centre for Addiction Research
Contact us
We are keen to connect with other researchers, communities, and policy makers with the aim of improving health and well-being outcomes for all.
The Centre holds regular seminars and research meetings where researchers and/or visitors present on current projects. Students and visitors are especially welcomed to these meetings. We welcome enquiries from postgraduate students who are introduced in doing research on additions.
If you have an idea for potential collaboration or want to learn more about what we do, please contact us by emailing: cfar@auckland.ac.nz.