What is a solution?

Great question. I’m glad you asked. I would personally split this into two categories. First, there are solutions that address a problem successfully. These solutions are not magic bullets. They do not necessarily solve the problem, but they have enough evidence to suggest that what they are doing is working for them. The implication here is that the success of the solution is something that might be useful to other areas that are experiencing the same or similar problem. The solution, when reported, should be thoroughly researched, fair, and transparent. The second kind of solution is one that has been unsuccessful in addressing the target problem. These are cases where the evidence suggests that the solution is not working. This also requires a great deal of evidence and investigation, and the reporting should be equally fair. There is another category I would add, and that is the untested or unprovable solution. Solutions like this simply don’t have the evidence necessary to support the claim. Keep an eye on these guys though because evidence might grow over time. Solutions in early and experimental stages often don’t have enough data to support an authoritative report or investigation. The may have promise but should be given time to gestate.

What is evidence?

Evidence is, ideally, the results of a collection of studies from multiple independent sources. However, a story can, and sometimes should, still be reported even if there is a lack of scholarly literature on the matter. In stories like this I believe we have to be much more cautious and upfront about what we are reporting on. Say a hospital or prison says they have eliminated cases of MRSA and the number shows that. They say it is because of a change in sanitation policy and it is true that they are the only prison or hospital with such a policy but it’s just that—the only case. There are no studies as of yet, but it is still unique and worth reporting. I think we just have to be clear and careful not to oversell the evidence or the solution.

What is an example of an evidence based solution to an addiction related issue?

An evidence based solution to an addiction related issue is Medication Assisted Treatment. I know that’s obvious but this one was a great test to my openness and willingness to accept evidence. I have had friends that were on methadone for years. They would run out of money or get arrested and start methadone. That would last a year. A year of them barely being there, but an improvement. Then the dose would get too low or stop and they would go back out. It sucks. It’s a hard thing to watch. Because of that, I have always had a negative opinion of MAT based on the anecdotal evidence of two friends. But, I believe in evidence above all else. I might still be skeptical of how different clinics handle their patients, but I do believe in the effectiveness of the treatment for easing the burden of the withdrawal process. The evidence is solid.