The SCICONX Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research (JDAR) is committed to providing a transparent, efficient, and author-friendly manuscript submission process. This page outlines each stage of submission, review, and decision-making to help authors understand what to expect and how to prepare their manuscripts for successful consideration.

Authors are encouraged to carefully follow this process to minimize delays and ensure a smooth editorial experience.

Formatting Template (Click here to download).

Step 1: Pre-Submission Preparation

Before submitting a manuscript, authors should ensure that:

• The manuscript fits within the journal’s aims and scope
• All authors have approved the final version
• Ethical approval and informed consent statements are included (if applicable)
• Conflict of interest and funding disclosures are complete
• Figures, tables, and supplementary files are properly prepared
• The manuscript is original and not under consideration elsewhere

Authors are encouraged to use a pre-submission checklist to verify completeness.

Step 2: Online or Email Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted through the journal’s designated submission system or official editorial email as specified on the journal website.

At the time of submission, authors may be required to provide:

• Cover letter
• Manuscript file
• Figures and tables (if separate)
• Supplementary materials (if applicable)
• Ethics and disclosure statements

Incomplete submissions may be returned for completion.

Step 3: Acknowledgment of Receipt

Upon successful submission, authors will receive an acknowledgment confirming that the manuscript has been received and entered into the editorial system. This acknowledgment does not imply acceptance or initiation of peer review.

Step 4: Initial Editorial and Technical Screening

The editorial office conducts an initial screening to assess:

• Scope and relevance
• Basic formatting and completeness
• Presence of required ethical and disclosure statements
• Overall suitability for peer review

Manuscripts that do not meet minimum requirements may be returned to authors for correction or declined without external review.

Step 5: Assignment to Handling Editor

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are assigned to a handling editor with relevant expertise. The handling editor oversees the peer review process and serves as the primary editorial contact for the manuscript.

Step 6: Peer Review

The manuscript is sent to independent expert reviewers under the journal’s double-blind peer review model. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on scientific quality, originality, ethical compliance, and relevance.

Authors should note that peer review timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

Step 7: Editorial Decision

After receiving reviewer reports, the handling editor makes an editorial recommendation. Authors will receive one of the following decisions:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Decision letters include anonymized reviewer comments and guidance for next steps.

Step 8: Revision and Resubmission

If revisions are requested, authors should:

• Address all reviewer and editor comments
• Submit a detailed response-to-reviewers document
• Highlight or track changes in the revised manuscript

Failure to adequately address comments may result in further revision requests or rejection.

Step 9: Final Evaluation and Acceptance

After revision, the handling editor evaluates the revised manuscript. Additional peer review may be conducted if necessary. Once all requirements are satisfied, the manuscript may be formally accepted for publication.

Step 10: Post-Acceptance Processing

Following acceptance, manuscripts enter production, which includes:

• Copyediting for clarity and consistency
• Formatting and typesetting
• Author proof review
• Final approval for publication

Authors are responsible for reviewing proofs carefully and promptly.

Step 11: Publication

Accepted and finalized articles are published online and made openly accessible. Publication notifications may be sent to authors upon release.

Step 12: Article Processing Charges (APC)

If applicable, information regarding APCs and other will be communicated according to the journal’s APC policy. APC processing occurs independently from editorial decision-making.

✨ Author Responsibilities Throughout the Process

Authors are expected to:

• Respond to editorial communications promptly
• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain transparency regarding ethical and funding disclosures
• Inform the journal of any changes in authorship or conflicts of interest

✨ Withdrawal of Manuscripts

Authors wishing to withdraw a manuscript must submit a formal written request. Withdrawal requests are subject to editorial approval and may not be permitted once the manuscript has entered advanced stages of review or production.

✨ Support and Inquiries

For questions related to submission or manuscript status, authors may contact the Editorial Office of the SCICONX Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research through the official contact information provided on the journal website.

✨ Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency

JDAR is committed to continuously improving its submission and review workflows to enhance author experience, reduce unnecessary delays, and uphold high standards of scholarly publishing.