Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Research

Sara Lamb, Merwyn R. Greenlick, and Dennis McCarty, Editors; Committee on Community-Based Drug Treatment, Institute of Medicine

Prepared by real-life experiences in addiction treatment, including workshops and site visits, Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Research examines why research remains remote from treatment and makes specific recommendations to community providers, federal and state agencies, and other decision makers. The book outlines concrete strategies for building and disseminating knowledge about addiction; for linking research, policy development, and everyday treatment; and for helping drug treatment consumers become more informed advocates. In candid language, the committee discusses the policy barriers and the human attitudes - the stigma, suspicion, and scepticism - that often hinder progress in addiction treatment. The book identifies the obstacles to effective collaboration among the research, treatment, and policy sectors; evaluates models to address these barriers; and looks in detail at the issue from the perspective of the community-based provider and the researcher.

Introduction and overview; the gap bewteen research, treatment, and policy; benefits and challenges of research collaboration for community-based treatment providers; benefits and challenges for research; findings and recommendations.