two medical professionals inputting medical research into a laptop

Center for Addiction Science: Treatment & Recovery Research

Wellbridge is Leading the Way To Advance Evidence-Based Practices and Promote Long-Term Recovery Success

Welcome to the Center for Addiction Science

Join us as we lead the way in shaping the future of substance abuse and co-occurring treatment.

At Wellbridge, we’re at the forefront of advancing evidence-based practices and promoting long-term recovery success.[1] Through groundbreaking research initiatives, we are dedicated to exploring innovative and science-based addiction treatment approaches for our patients and the country alike.

Our multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and medical providers is dedicated to accelerating the advancement, quality, and efficacy of addiction science. By investigating and sharing research findings and translating them into practical, effective interventions, we can positively impact the lives of those affected by substance use disorders.

Key Points:

  • The Center for Addiction Science at Wellbridge integrates clinical care, research, and education to advance addiction treatment.
  • Its interdisciplinary team collaborates to accelerate treatment success and foster sustained recovery.
  • Goals include generating scientific knowledge for patient care, cultivating an integrated culture, and extending impact to the broader community.
  • Ongoing projects include tracking patient progress, evaluating treatment protocols, and enhancing communication of research findings.
  • Research results inform data-driven decision-making, optimize treatment protocols, and drive continuous quality improvement.
  • Long-term patient tracking allows for the assessment of recovery outcomes and refinement of our treatment approaches.

What is the Center for Addiction Science?

The Center for Addiction Science seamlessly integrates cutting-edge clinical care, groundbreaking research, and community education initiatives into one. Housed within our 6,000-square-foot research facility on the Wellbridge campus, this center is dedicated to advancing the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), drug use, and addiction through evidence-based research and collaborative partnerships.[2]

At the heart of the center lies a dynamic synergy between clinicians, researchers, medical providers, and our patients. Together, we engage in state-of-the-art research initiatives aimed at accelerating treatment success and fostering sustained recovery. From comprehensive assessments to participation in quality initiatives and serving as a research site for esteemed academic collaborators, the Center for Addiction Science is committed to driving meaningful progress in addiction treatment.

Through its pioneering efforts, the center seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that the latest discoveries are swiftly translated into effective clinical interventions.

By cultivating interaction and collaboration, Wellbridge’s Center for Addiction Science is at the forefront of shaping the future of addiction treatment, paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes and improved quality of life.

collage of doctors doing research and therapists helping patients

What Are the Goals of the Center for Addiction Science?

a group of medical professionals having a meeting a medical staff having a meeting a medical conference

Improving Treatment Outcomes

Firstly, we are committed to generating a robust body of scientific knowledge that directly informs patient care, both within Wellbridge and beyond. Utilizing scientific methodologies from diverse fields, we strive to produce research with tangible implications for treatment outcomes.

Advancing Care

Secondly, we prioritize cultivating a culture at Wellbridge that seamlessly integrates clinical expertise, scientific inquiry, and patient-centered perspectives. This entails fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, such as having our research scientists actively participate in daily clinical meetings and ensuring that both clinical and administrative staff engage in regular science-focused events.

Sharing Knowledge

Lastly, we recognize the importance of extending our reach beyond the confines of Wellbridge to positively impact the broader community. Our events and initiatives will be opened to the wider Long Island, New York, and tri-state areas, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the field of addiction science.

a medical staff having a meeting a medical conference a group of medical professionals having a meeting

Improving Treatment Outcomes

Firstly, we are committed to generating a robust body of scientific knowledge that directly informs patient care, both within Wellbridge and beyond. Utilizing scientific methodologies from diverse fields, we strive to produce research with tangible implications for treatment outcomes.

Advancing Care

Secondly, we prioritize cultivating a culture at Wellbridge that seamlessly integrates clinical expertise, scientific inquiry, and patient-centered perspectives. This entails fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, such as having our research scientists actively participate in daily clinical meetings and ensuring that both clinical and administrative staff engage in regular science-focused events.

Sharing Knowledge

Lastly, we recognize the importance of extending our reach beyond the confines of Wellbridge to positively impact the broader community. Our events and initiatives will be opened to the wider Long Island, New York, and tri-state areas, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the field of addiction science.

What Does the Project Study?

Our research endeavors encompass a diverse array of topics within the fields of drug addiction and mental health. Our ongoing projects aim to shed light on multiple facets of addiction treatment and recovery, with a focus on enhancing patient outcomes and informing best practices.

Some of our current research initiatives include:

Tracking patient progress

One key area of focus involves closely monitoring patient progress both during their time at Wellbridge and in the post-treatment phase. By tracking various indicators of recovery, we aim to gain insights into the effectiveness of our treatment protocols and identify factors that contribute to sustained recovery.

Evaluation of our treatment protocols

We are actively evaluating the implementation of several treatment protocols, including Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), among others.[2] Through rigorous assessment and analysis, we seek to determine the efficacy of these interventions in supporting patients’ recovery journeys.

Effective communication of research findings

Another important aspect of our research involves exploring the most effective ways to communicate research findings to clinicians and patients. By enhancing communication strategies, we aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence-based interventions are effectively utilized to benefit those in need.

Through these multifaceted research endeavors, the Center for Addiction Science is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the science of addiction and public health and improving the quality of care provided to those seeking recovery. By continually exploring new avenues of research and innovation, we strive to make meaningful contributions to the field of addiction science and ultimately enhance the lives of those affected by substance use disorders.

How Do the Results Impact Best Practices at Wellbridge?

At Wellbridge, we are deeply committed to integrating the latest research findings into our clinical practices to enhance the quality of care we provide continually.

The results of our research program play a crucial role in informing and shaping best practices at Wellbridge:

a woman engaged in a conversation looking happy and holding a pen and clipboard

Data-driven decision-making

The insights gleaned from tracking patient progress and evaluating treatment protocols enable us to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the delivery of our healthcare services. By analyzing outcomes and risk factors and identifying areas for improvement, we can refine our approaches to better meet the needs of our patients.

Optimizing treatment protocols

Research findings regarding the effectiveness of specific health services and treatment protocols directly inform the optimization of these interventions. We use evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans to individual needs, maximizing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Continuous quality improvement (QI)

By assessing the implementation of various protocols and interventions, we identify areas where enhancements can be made to streamline processes and improve effectiveness. This commitment to continuous quality improvement ensures that we are constantly striving to deliver the highest standard of care.

Educating clinicians and staff

We disseminate research findings to our clinical and administrative staff to ensure that they remain abreast of the latest developments in addiction treatment. This ongoing education empowers our team members to implement best practices in their day-to-day work.

Long-term patient communication

As our studies evolve we will begin to work more closely with alumni who have expressed interest in being involved in our research. By following up with patients at regular intervals post-treatment, we can gain valuable insights into the long-term efficacy of our interventions and identify any challenges or barriers to sustained recovery. This long-term tracking will allow us to refine our treatment approaches and provide ongoing support to promote lasting wellness and sobriety among our patients.

Overall, the results of our research projects have a direct and tangible impact on the delivery of care at Wellbridge. By leveraging research findings to inform best practices, we remain at the forefront of addiction treatment, continually striving to enhance the effectiveness and quality of our services for the benefit of our patients and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Center for Addiction Science and Science-Based Addiction Treatment

How can alumni be part of a study?

Wellbridge plans to involve alumni in research studies aimed at advancing addiction treatment. Alumni will be notified via our website and social media channels when new studies become available. They can then express their interest in participating and may be selected based on specific criteria outlined for each study.

What are the benefits of participating in a study at Wellbridge? 

Participating in a study as an alumnus offers several benefits, including the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of addiction treatment research. Additionally, participants may gain access to innovative treatments or interventions, receive personalized feedback on their progress, and contribute to the broader scientific community’s understanding of addiction recovery.

How are studies conducted at Wellbridge?

Studies conducted at Wellbridge adhere to rigorous scientific standards and ethical guidelines. Our research team designs studies to address specific research questions or hypotheses related to addiction treatment and recovery. Participants are carefully screened, and their confidentiality and privacy are protected throughout the research process. Data collection methods vary depending on the nature of the study but may include surveys, interviews, or clinical assessments.

Are there any risks involved in participating in a study?

While participating in a study at Wellbridge, participants may encounter minimal risks associated with data collection procedures or interventions. However, our research team takes measures to minimize these risks and ensures that participants are fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks before consenting to participate. Additionally, participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

How can I stay informed about upcoming studies for alumni? 

To stay informed about upcoming studies for alumni, we encourage you to regularly visit our website and follow us on social media. We post announcements and updates about new research opportunities, including eligibility criteria and how to participate. Additionally, alumni may receive email notifications or newsletters with information about upcoming studies and other relevant events or resources.

Sources

[1] Seegan, P. L., Miller, L., Young, A. S., Parrish, C., Cullen, B., & Reynolds, E. K. (2023). Enhancing Quality of Care Through Evidence-Based Practice: Training and Supervision Experiences. American Journal of Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20220015 on May 1, 2024

[2] Abuse, N. I. on D. (2015, July 29). Addiction Science. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science on May 1, 2024

[3] Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2018). Cognitive behavioral interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders: Through the stage model and back again. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 847–861. NCBI. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000311 on May 1, 2024