Identifying and Implementing Evidence-Based Substance

Abuse Services

Charles G. Curie, M.S.W., A.C.S.W.Administrator, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services AdministrationU.S. Department of Health & Human Services

September 6, 2005

Istanbul, Turkey

“A Life in the Community For Everyone”

“Building Resilience & Facilitating Recovery”

A Cross-Cutting Principle: Science to Services/Evidence-Based Practices

How do we accelerate Research into Practice?

How do we connect Science to Services?

Identify evidence-based practices for Prevention and Treatment (NREPP)

Develop guides, manuals and other materials on these practices (Too Smart to Start & TIPs)

Disseminate these materials and provide trainings through regional centers (ATTCs & CAPTs)

Accelerating Research Into Practice

National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and

Practices (NREPP)

Purpose: A voluntary rating and classification system for substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment interventions.

Goal: NREPP will become a leading national resource for science-based information on substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment interventions.

www.modelprograms.samhsa.gov

NREPP: Comprehensive & Transparent

NREPP utilizes two types of draft rating criteria which are independently evaluated by scientists:

1. Evidence Rating Criteria2. Utility Descriptors

Review results will be posted on the new NREPP website www.nationalregistry.samhsa.gov

By 2006 the new Website will feature:Outcomes searchable databaseLinks to educational materials on review criteriaSelf-assessment tool for candidate programsLinks to technical assistance centers and supports

NREPP Influences SAMHSA discretionary and block grant investments.

Provides an important tool for both public and private purchasers in selection of effective services.

What type of products?

Training Manuals

Publications & Community Action Kits (Too Smart to Start)

Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs)

Quick Reference Cards & Pocket-size Guides

Fact Sheets, Brochures and Periodicals

Where to find the products: www.samhsa.gov

Publications and Materials on Best Practices in Substance Abuse

Prevention & Treatment

A Prevention Example…Too Smart to Start

• An underage alcohol use prevention program

• A public education initiative

• Research-based Strategies

• For professionals & volunteers at the community level

• To educate 9 to 13 year olds

A Treatment Example…TIPs

TIPs are best-practice guidelines for the treatment of substance abuse.

TIPs are created by clinical, research & administrative experts.

TIPs have been developed on several topics such as: Assessment and ScreeningCo-Occurring Disorders and Cognitive DisabilitiesHIV/AIDS and Infectious DiseasesHomelessnessMedication-Assisted Treatment

TIPs – Treatment Improvement Protocols

Centers for the Application of Prevention Technology

Materials, Trainings & Technical Assistancefor Prevention

www.captus.org

Purpose: Assist States and Communities in the application

of evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs,

practices, and policies.

Goal: To increase the impact of prevention.

Materials, Trainings & Technical Assistancefor Treatment

SAMHSA’s Addiction Technology Transfer Centers

www.nattc.org

Purpose: To transmit the latest knowledge, skills and attitudes of professional addiction treatment practice.

Goal: To enhance clinical practice.

When Research is Translated into Practice

• Research has shown that mental and substance use disorders are treatable chronic health conditions; people can and do recover.

• Research has demonstrated the value of effective prevention to prevent or delay the onset of mental illnesses and substance use disorders across the lifespan.

• Early intervention using evidence-based prevention and treatment services and supports can reduce the toll of substance abuse and mental illnesses.