Modifications of evidence-based practices in community-based addiction treatment organizations: a qualitative research study

Abstract

This qualitative research effort explored implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in 100 community-based addiction treatment organizations (CBOs) nationwide. The study describes CBO program director attitudes on: (1) satisfaction with EBPs they were mandated to implement; (2) the extent to which their organization modified the EBPs; (3) reasons for modifications; and, (4) the standards they used for modifications. Findings indicate that program directors were highly positive both about EBPs implemented and the modifications made to those EBPs. A broad range of modifications were identified; most common were adding or deleting intervention sessions in efforts to serve the needs of a specific client population. Given the addiction treatment field's lack of standards for modifying EBPs, it is not surprising that little consistency occurred in modification efforts. As government funders of addiction treatments require that CBOs implement EBPs, standards need to be created for modifying and adapting the EBPs while maintaining their fidelity.