Therefore, neither drug abuse researchers nor treatment practitioners can operate in an isolated way. If we are to continue to make progress against drug abuse and its inevitable consequences to the individual, his or her family, and the community, we must create opportunities for drug abuse practitioners and researchers to exchange information with investigators and clinicians in other fields who are faced with drug abuse issues. Bringing together drug abuse researchers and professionals from other fields allows NIDA to disseminate its research findings, to learn about research being conducted elsewhere that is relevant to our mission, and to attract promising investigators to drug abuse research. More sharing and collaboration with related professional fields is likely to give rise to new strategies for the study of drug abuse and addiction and their consequences. Exploring each other's research offers new perspectives.
Ideas spark new ideas.
We see the problems and solutions differently. It's an interactive process in which everyone benefits. It is important to point out that the benefits of these exchanges extend beyond research to practice. They give practitioners the chance to learn about the best approaches to treatment that have been developed through research. At the same time, they allow practitioners to share their treatment concerns and issues with researchers.