A Model for Monitoring Changes in Drug Use and Treatment Entry

Abstract

A model developed for use by multijurisdiction systems in monitoring and anticipating changes in drug use and treatment entry was tested in the Philadelphia system; the process of implementing the model and illustrative products are described. The model integrates data obtained from multiple archival sources and interviews with drug users by means of the census tract; other geographic units can be used. Archival data sources considered include treatment programs, hospital emergency rooms, private physicians, criminal justice agencies, public health systems and schools. Sample products address the relationship of socio-environmental variables to drug use and treatment, the geographic distribution of drug activities, and trends in heroin and polydrug use.