The
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (JSAT) features original research, systematic reviews and reports on meta-analyses and,
with editorial approval, special articles on the assessment and treatment of
substance use and
addictive disorders, including
alcohol,
illicit and
prescription drugs, and
nicotine.
JSAT values high quality empirical research
that is relevant for translation by treatment practitioners from all disciplines and across any setting where persons with
substance
use problems are encountered. The
http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-substance-abuse-treatment/editorial-board/editors
emphasize that
JSAT articles should address
assessment techniques and
treatment approaches that have clear relevance
for routine practice. Accordingly, the scope of
JSAT includes health services research, including the design, organization,
delivery mechanisms and workforce characteristics of treatments in routine settings.
It is the policy of JSAT that treatment
research for individuals with substance use disorders meet the same scientific evaluative standards as treatments for those with any
other health-related condition or illness. Thus, research articles submitted for publication in JSAT are expected to achieve
the same empirical standards of reliability, validity, and empiricism. Theoretical models, clinical experience, and case vignettes are
recognized as important supplements to, but not as substitutes for, research-based evidence.
It is recognized that research-based
evidence may take many forms, such as randomized controlled trials; case-controlled field evaluations; or time series evaluations. In
early stages of research development, qualitative study or small trials may be appropriate and necessary first steps. Regardless of the
specific type of study, authors of research articles should aim to: (1) Use one or more reasonable comparison or control conditions in
the design and analysis of collected data, (2) Use data collection methods and measures that have been previously validated in the subject
population, and (3) Analyze data (qualitative or quantitative) with the use of appropriate statistical methods.
Authors must insure
that the research as reported was conducted ethically, and that all protections to human subject participants were afforded. This insurance
must be verified by the appropriate institutional review board or committee for the protection of human subjects. In addition, the editors
of JSAT will not consider articles that use pejorative and stereotypical expressions when discussing individuals who suffer
from substance use disorders.
In drawing conclusions, authors are expected to use a parsimonious, cautious and conservative
approach in the interpretation of findings. Hyperbole and overgeneralization beyond the data are considered irresponsible.
