Blending research and practice: An evolving dissemination strategy in substance abuse.

Substance abuse is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world. The mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is to lead the United States in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two critical components: (a) strategic support of research across a broad range of disciplines and (b) rapid, effective dissemination of research results that can improve prevention and treatment efforts, with potential to inform policy. The NIDA National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) and the Blending Initiative are critical elements of this strategy, and the social work field is poised to use these resources to expand its role in the dissemination and implementation of NIDA’s mission.

The article describes the CTN and Blending Initiatives in general, the CTN Dissemination Library, CTN Data Share, and each of the Blending Initiative training products developed to date. NIDA, the Blending Initiative, and the CTN offer great promise toward implementation of evidence-based practices, and social workers are encouraged to seize every opportunity to initiate and remain engaged in substance abuse treatment, research, and training activities.