Adventures in Addiction Science: Insights and Innovations from the SSA PhD Symposium and Conference 2025 

Kristina Hnízdilová

Kristina Hnizdilova is a final-year PhD student specializing in overdose prevention and intervention development. Her research at the University of Dundee's School of Medicine focuses on evaluating a respiratory biosensor designed to detect respiratory movements in individuals who use drugs, and assessing the acceptability of this device among service users and professional stakeholders.

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Society for the Study of Addiction PhD Symposium and Annual Conference to present my work. This year marked my last time at the symposium as I have recently submitted my PhD thesis.  

My research – detecting respiratory movements in people who use drugs 

My PhD evaluated a wearable respiratory monitor designed to detect dangerous breathing pauses in people who use drugs. This is important because opioid-related breathing suppression remains one of the leading causes of death in this population. The aim was to develop a device that could trigger an alert when breathing becomes unsafe, offering a form of protection like a virtual safe consumption space. 

In the study, 43 participants who returned with data, wore the device for up to four weeks, generating over 5,700 hours of data. We detected numerous significant breathing pauses, particularly during periods of respiratory depression. In semi-structured interviews, participants' experiences which included prior overdose events, often motivated willingness to use the device. Interviews and focus groups with participants and first responders highlighted the importance of device accuracy, patient choice, and strong therapeutic relationships in supporting uptake. Through a Delphi consensus process, experts agreed on clear thresholds for when an alarm should trigger based on the breathing patterns observed in the study. 

My time at the SSA Symposium and Conference – a breadth of novel research 

I was excited to present my findings at the SSA PhD symposium to a group of my peers who also presented cutting-edge research in the world of addiction science. A particular highlight of the symposium was the grant writing workshop, where my group's proposal on using CBT to treat problematic gaming in adolescents was selected as the winner. It was a fun and valuable exercise that offered practical insights into research funding.  

The Society for the Study of Addiction Conference offered a fascinating glimpse into the breadth of addiction research, from hepatitis C elimination to innovative harm reduction strategies. What really stood out to me was how the conference combined rigorous science with practical, community-focused approaches. For example, sessions on peer delivered needle and syringe programmes, as well as behavioural insights into treatment scaleup, showcased how creative and adaptable approaches are essential for effectively reaching underserved communities. 

I was particularly drawn to discussions on alcohol and gambling harm, where speakers emphasized the power of shaping public perception alongside evidence-informed policy, reminding me that small shifts in communication and community engagement can have major impacts on health outcomes. The poster session was another highlight, buzzing with energy as early-career researchers shared everything from experimental interventions to community-based studies, making it easy to feel the excitement of new ideas taking shape in real time. 

One stand-out session explored the risks of using opioids and benzodiazepines together and how harm reduction can better respond to people's real-world experiences. It made me reflect on how important it is that services are tailored to individual needs, based on how people use and understand these substances. 

What left the strongest impression on me was the Society Lecture by Professor Trevor Robbins, which combined neuroscience and behavioural science to explore compulsive drug-seeking. His talk made me appreciate how lab discoveries can directly inform policy and interventions, and it inspired me to think creatively about bridging research and practice in my own work. Similarly, sessions on prescription drug harms and integrating substance use treatment into hospital care brought home the real-world urgency of addiction science, how research isn't just theoretical but can save lives when applied thoughtfully in the field. 

Walking away from the conference, I felt reminded of the sheer creativity in the field, whether it's designing a harm-reduction programme that meets people where they are or developing interventions that truly connect with patients. If you want to feel the energy of fresh ideas, engage with real world research, and witness the future of addiction science in action, then attending the 2026 conference should be on your calendar. 

Leaving Newcastle with a bag full of inspiration  

Attending the SSA 2025 PhD Symposium and Annual Conference was an inspiring reminder of the creativity, dedication, and collaboration driving addiction research today. From sharing my own work to learning from colleagues tackling pressing public health challenges, the conference highlighted how research can directly inform practice, policy, and harm reduction. I would sincerely like to thank Drug Research Network Scotland for supporting my attendance this year.