Effective technology transfer in alcoholism treatment

Alcoholism treatment services in the United States continue to be characterized by a lack of evidence-based care. Problems establishing effective research-practice knowledge transfer stem, in part, from the strong allegiance of scientists and practitioners to contrasting treatment models. Four underlying assumptions of the Minnesota model that continue to guide the delivery of alcohol services in the United States are identified and related research is reviewed. Findings indicate little support for these assumptions. However, support for superiority of alternative science-based treatments to replace current practices varies. To facilitate effective technology transfer, research practitioner collaboration must be promoted. Research paradigms are needed that possess high salience to practitioners while preserving scientific rigor. Two examples of studies involving research-practitioner collaboration are described.