Tracking New Trends in Drug Use

Abstract

The Netherlands has developed a broad range of information systems and other data sources that focus on various aspects of illicit drug use. Researchers can put these to use for the early detection, tracking, and understanding of changes in drug consumption patterns in various populations. This article first assesses the suitability of existing data sources for this purpose in a series of case studies including (1) the emergence of ecstasy; (2) changing routes of heroin administration; and (3) the introduction of crack cocaine. It then discusses how to develop an effective model for tracking new trends in drug use. In this model, the suitability of different data sources depends on the topic, the population, and the stage in the diffusion process of the trend. Because each data source has its own strengths and weaknesses, changes can only be detected, tracked, and understood by continuously comparing information from various sources.