The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a technical-assistance publication for substance abuse programs wishing to implement "best practices."

Written for substance abuse treatment administrators, managers, and supervisors, the 72-page manual, titled "Implementing Change in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs," suggests practical and efficient approaches for introducing and implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs). It includes steps for assessing an organization's readiness to adopt new practices, identifying priorities in adopting EBPs, evaluating progress, and sustaining change over time.

The manual covers principles of implementing change, preplanning and planning for change, implementation of EBPs, evaluation, and sustainability.

According to the manual, implementing EBPs can offer the following benefits to treatment programs:

"Implementing Change in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs" is posted at <http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA09-4377.pdf>.