Technology by definition deals with the application of “scientific knowledge” to practical 
purposes in a particular field. In other words, technology deals with how we use the “tools of our trade” to do our job. In the treatment field, these tools fall into one of three broad classes: knowledge, skills and attitudes. The job of research is to constantly examine and evaluate these tools and any innovations or additions that occur over time.
Since technology changes over time, we depend on research to continually examine and evaluate technology changes for us. The technology used by our field provides answers to questions such as “how can prevention and treatment efforts yield better outcomes for clients?”
Given the mounting pressures to contain health care costs and the increasing emphasis on “outcome funding,” entities connected to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders have had to focus on improvements in practice that positively impact client outcomes. Yet there is mounting evidence indicating that much of the scientific knowledge gained from addiction-related research is often not utilized in practice.
This section of the ATTC Network website will assist you in answering those questions. Here you will learn:
