NIDA/SAMHSA Blending Initiative

About the Blending Initiative:

Accelerating the dissemination of research-based drug abuse treatment into clinical practice is a priority for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and represents the core mission of the Blending Initiative. NIDA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) joined together to create the Blending Initiative in 2001 to reduce the gap that exists between the publication of research results and impact on treatment delivery. This initiative incorporates collaboration between clinicians, scientists, and experienced trainers to catalyze the creation of user-friendly treatment tools and products and facilitate the adoption of research-based interventions into front-line clinical settings. Through this initiative, NIDA and SAMHSA’s Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) disseminate treatment and training products based on results from studies conducted by the National Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (CTN) as well as other NIDA-supported research.  For additional information on the Blending Initiative, contact:
 
Katia Delrahim Howlett, MPP, MBA, PhD
Phone (240) 485-3921
Email: khowlett@seiservices.com

Blending Products:

• HIV Rapid Testing in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: Resources to Support On-Site Rapid Testing (2012)
• Buprenorphine Suite of Blending Products, which includes:
  • Buprenorphine Treatment: Training for Multidisciplinary Addiction Professionals (2005)
  • Short-Term Opioid Withdrawal Using Buprenorphine: Findings and Strategies from a NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Study (2006)
  • Buprenorphine Treatment for Young Adults (2010)
  • The Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study (POATS): Treatment Strategies for Prescription Opioid Dependence and Information (2012)
• Motivational Incentives Package: A Proven Approach to Treatment, which includes:
  • Promoting Awareness of Motivational Incentives (PAMI) (Revised 2011)
  • Motivational Incentives: Positive Reinforcers to Enhance Successful Treatment Outcomes (MI:PRESTO) (2011)
  • Motivational Incentives Implementation Software (MIIS) (2011)
• Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency (MIA:STEP) (2006)
• Treatment Planning M.A.T.R.S.: Utilizing the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) to Make Required Data Collection Useful (2005)

Blending Meetings:

• 2012 - Accelerating Knowledge Exchange in Substance Abuse Treatment - Atlanta, Georgia
• 2010 - Evidence-Based Treatment and Prevention in Diverse Populations and Settings - Albuquerque, New Mexico
• 2008 - The Impact of Evidence-Based Practices on Individuals, Families and Communities - Cincinnati, Ohio
• 2006 - Bridges to the Future - Seattle, Washington
• 2005 - Smart Practice, Practical Science - Miami, Florida
• 2004 - Forging Partnerships in the Great Lakes Region to Enhance Drug Addiction Treatment - Detroit, Michigan
• 2003 - Forging Partnerships in the Rocky Mountain States to Enhance Drug Addiction Treatment - Westminster, Colorado
• 2002 - Forging Partnerships to Enhance Drug Addiction Treatment - New York, New York
• 2000 - Forging Partnerships to Enhance Drug Addiction Treatment - Los Angeles, California

Additional information on Blending Products and other motivational incentive resources can be found at the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) website