Lost in Translation: the Gap Between Neurobiological Mechanisms and Psychosocial Treatment Research for Substance Use Disorders

Purpose of Review To provide an overview of the state of translational substance use disorder (SUD) research by evaluating the extent to which psychosocial interventions target neurobiological processes known to contribute to the maintenance of SUD. Recent Findings A limited number of studies have investigated neurobiological mechanisms of action for commonly utilized SUD treatment approaches. Restrictive samples, post-treatment-only designs, and failure to include substance use outcomes significantly limit the interpretation of these findings. Much work is needed to bridge the translational gap between neuroscience and psychosocial treatment research for SUD. Despite existing gaps, addiction neuroscience is highly relevant to SUD assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment. Implications are discussed in addition to suggestions for future research.