Translation Of Addictions Science Into Practice

The general aim of this book is to summarize current and potential linkages between advances in addiction science and innovations in clinical practice. Whilst this book is primarily focused on translation, it also encompasses some scientific advances that are relevant to dissemination, and the book is itself a tool for disseminating innovative thinking.

The goal is to generate interest in application opportunities from both recent research and theoretical advances.

*Provides a much needed resource for translating current research into clinical practice
*Focuses upon alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse addictions
*Addresses method of research and best dissemination techniques

Recent advances in the understanding of the genetic, neurochemical, behavioral and cultural underpinnings of addiction have led to rapid advances in the understanding of addiction as a disease. In fact, advances in basic science and the development of new pharmacological and behavioral therapies associated with them are appearing faster than can be assimilated not only by clinical researchers but practitioners and policy makers as well. Translation of science-based addictions knowledge into improved prevention, assessment and treatment, and communication of these changes to researchers and practitioners are significant challenges to the field.

The general aim of this book is to summarize current and potential linkages between advances in addiction science and innovations in clinical practice. Whilst this book is primarily focused on translation, it also encompasses some scientific advances that are relevant to dissemination, and the book is itself a tool for disseminating innovative thinking.

The goal is to generate interest in application opportunities from both recent research and theoretical advances.

*Provides a much needed resource for translating current research into clinical practice
*Focuses upon alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse addictions
*Addresses method of research and best dissemination techniques

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Michael Joel Schrift, D.O., M.A.(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This is an interesting new book that evolved from an international conference in 2004, Crossing Boundaries: Implications of Advances in Basic Sciences for the Management of Addiction. Written and edited by a group of internationally recognized addiction researchers, this book serves as a guide to bringing basic science knowledge to patient care.
Purpose:The purpose of the book, according to the editors "is to provide a needed link between advances in addiction science and innovations in clinical practice." The editors note that presently, even though there are now a number of adjunctive pharmacotherapies for addiction, many practitioners tend not use them and feel they are ineffective, in spite of evidence of efficacy. The editors hope to educate clinicians and show the utility of bringing basic science advances to the bedside.
Audience:The intended audience includes clinicians who treat patients with substance-related disorders.
Features:The first of the book's five sections deals with the basic neurobiology and genetics related to addictions. Pharmacotherapy is the focus of the second section with interesting chapters on plasticity, agonist treatments, and neuromodulation. Addiction is also related to social cognition, context, and motivational systems, and section three details the research findings on craving, impulse control, and affect. Addiction and social justice are related issues and section four summarizes public policies, ethical issues and practices related to intervention. The final section and chapter provides an overview of the processes involved in translating basic science to clinical practice as well as alternative pathways for improved diagnosis and treatment of these all too common disorders. Each chapter ends with relevant and timely references of the scientific literature.
Assessment:This is an excellent book that will help clinicians synthesize basic science information for application to improved clinical care of patients. I highly recommend it.

Peter M. Miller, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Addictive Behaviors and an experienced researcher and clinician in the field of alcohol use disorders.