A review of current ethical concerns and challenges in substance use disorder research

To consider and summarize provocative and important publications from 2009 and 2010 related to the ethics of international substance use disorder research.

This review highlights publications related to the interconnected areas of responsible conduct of research, human participant protections and the increasingly important area of community concerns in research, all within the larger realm of ethical concerns. Ongoing concerns highlighted include standards for conflict of interest, recruitment and remuneration practices. Other literature discussed expands the ethical dialogue to consider the community perspective on research, stigmatization of drug users from research and the absence of the 'moral voice' of drug users in ethical decision-making.

Ethical dilemmas are inherent in the pursuit of any research; in substance use disorder research, often situated in a community with at-risk populations, questions such as who sets the research agenda and what norms are followed are critically important. Responsible research that protects participants and their communities internationally requires ongoing vigilance.