The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60251

Paul M. Roman, PhD¹, J. Aaron Johnson, PhD², and Hannah K. Knudsen, MA². (1) Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, 101 Barrow Hall, D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, 7065426090, proman@arches.uga.edu, (2) Center for Research on Behavioral Health and Human Services Delivery, University of Georgia, 101 Barrow Hall, D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602

The substantial social costs incurred due to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse make the adoption of effective treatment innovations within the treatment system of major importance. Although considerable research has demonstrated the efficacy of certain treatment innovations, both clinicians and researchers note there is often a gap in translating that research into practice. More importantly, it is unclear if this research-to-practice gap is more prevalent in certain sectors of the treatment system. This research focuses upon three types of substance abuse treatment organizations, namely privately funded centers, publicly funded centers, and therapeutic communities. Using data collected from nationally representative samples of 400 private centers, 400 public centers, and 400 therapeutic communities, we examine the adoption of five treatment innovations: naltrexone, buprenorphine, acupuncture, motivational enhancement therapy, and motivational incentives/contingency management. On-site interviews with program administrators allow for comparison of innovation adoption behavior across the three types of centers. By considering organizational adoption on treatment innovations, we offer vital information on the magnitude of the research-to-practice gap while identifying some of the barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Based on this research, the audience will be able to identify the patterns of adoption of treatment innovations in private, public, and therapeutic community programs within the substance abuse treatment system in the United States. In addition, the audience will learn to recognize some of the barriers that impede the translation of substance abuse treatment research into practice.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.