Barriers and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Alcohol Treatment Settings

The purpose of this literature review is to examine barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for alcohol treatment and approaches to facilitate adoption of EBPs in alcohol treatment settings. Although EBPs represent the most effective forms of treatment, many treatment centers continue to use treatments that lack an empirical foundation. Examining current research on implementation barriers allows for a more complete understanding of factors that may prevent treatment centers from adopting EBPs, and a categorization of EBP implementation strategies and rates of adoption may aid programs seeking to utilizes EBPs. This literature review is also designed to inform a future study of EBP implementation in treatment centers in the greater Phoenix area, which will ultimately serve as a resource to individuals seeking EBPs in the local community. Research on barriers conveyed that there are two types of barriers: global and EBP specific. At the global level, there are core barriers that must be addressed before successful implementation is possible. These barriers include organization and staff barriers. EBP specific barriers should be attended to after global barriers have been addressed. Research on implementation strategies conveys that multipronged approaches are the most effective, and should focus on addressing global barriers. Treatment centers that have successfully implemented EBPs provide valuable information to the development of new implementation strategies. Lastly, research on rates conveys the implementation of EBPs is increasing over time, however the research in this area has many limitations that must be addressed in future research to determine realist rates.