Linking Researchers and Practitioners in the Substance Abuse Field: Perspectives of Two “Bridgers”

Abstract

This article presents a conceptual framework for substance abuse research and practice collaboration based on John-Steiner's (2000) seminal work on characterizing creative collaborative processes in fields such as science, art, music, and literature. Using John-Steiner's core concept of “co-construction of knowledge,” the authors provide examples of informal and formal collaborative methods for “bridging the gap” between substance abuse research and practice. An ongoing collaborative effort in Los Angeles County, California, called “L.A. County Partnerships Network,” is described and important strategies for developing collaborative relationships between substance abuse researchers and practitioners are highlighted. Informal patterns of collaboration, such as those used by the L.A. Partnerships Network, can lead to significant developments among substance abuse researchers and practitioners.