Conducting Substance Use Research

This book assists new and experienced scholars in planning and conducting high quality, contemporary studies for knowledge building about substance use. The target audience is individuals new to substance use as a field of study, either as novice researchers or as experienced researchers in other areas who find themselves lacking experience to address overlapping issues of substance use. Organized around a translational science framework, the contents address substance use research about epidemiology, etiology, intervention efficacy and effectiveness, and implementation of evidence-informed interventions. In addition, examples and issues are drawn from social work traditions involving multiple levels of study (organisms to large social systems), integrating biopsychosocial aspects, and adopting a lifespan perspective. The authors examine the implications for research of current "great debates" in the field and present readers with a variety of specific substance use research resources and tools. This practical "how to" guide takes the reader step-by-step through issues specific to substance use research in study design, participant recruitment and retention, measurement and analysis, and the processes involved in the dissemination, diffusion, and implementation of evidence-informed innovations. A variety of technical resources and measurement tools are provided, as are references to journals for scholars to consider both as knowledge resources and as outlets for disseminating their work. In sum, this book offers a fresh approach to conducting substance use research that is not readily available in other texts.

Audrey Begun earned her MSW and PhD from the University of Michigan, and has been engaged in substance use-related and other behavioral health studies during her career as a social work educator and scholar with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Center for Applied Behavioral Health Research, and The Ohio State University. Her emphasis includes research to inform intervention, adapting interventions for underserved populations, and professional education concerning substance use disorders. Dr. Begun is an active member of the editorial team of several professional journals and co-chair of the Substance Misuse and Addictive Behaviors cluster in the Society for Social Work Research.

Tom Gregoire earned his Ph.D. and MSW from the University of Kansas. He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on federal, state, and privately funded studies of substance-related needs assessment, treatment access, and treatment motivation. Currently he is studying the use of mobile technology as a mechanism for increasing treatment access for low income persons with substance use disorders.