Dancing with strangers: will U.S. substance abuse practice and research organizations build mutually productive relationships?

The scientific knowledge gained from research has not been extensively integrated into the U.S. substance abuse treatment system. A clear call to arms has been issued by the U.S. federal treatment and research agencies to bring research and practice together to create a better treatment system and a more responsive research agenda. The current federally sponsored initiatives to "close the gap" between research and practice are large and well funded. The field appears ready to change and realize the mutual benefits that can be achieved from the increased "bleeding" of research and practice. However, while the music has started and the partners seem willing, there are still many obstacles to a successful dance.