ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces implementation science, describes unique challenges to implementing evidence-based interventions for preventing and treating substance misuse, and considers key approaches and tools for practitioners and scholars. Implementation science is a critical phase in the translational science pipeline, which traces the journey of research evidence from laboratory to practice. Implementation research includes pre-implementation studies that document quality gaps and implementation barriers, observational studies examining factors associated with implementation or strategies used in naturally occurring experiments, and controlled trials that test effects of implementation strategies on implementation, system, and/or client outcomes. A variety of strategies are often necessary for implementation, including specific planning, education, restructuring, financing, quality management, and policy-related activities. Effective use of implementation strategies is expected to lead to better implementation outcomes, which are indicators of implementation success. Substance use disorder (SUD) treatments address already existing and diagnosed SUDs.
