Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law

Antwerp Drug and Alcohol Monitor (ADAM II)

Research Period

1 January 2010 - 31 december 2010

Financing

SODA - City of Antwerp

Researcher

Katrien JANSSEN

Key Words

local monitoring, ethnography, qualitative

Abstract

The second execution of ADAM is built on the foundation created by ADAM I in 2007. This monitoring system wants to meet the lack of reliable and relevant data on a local level for the purpose of an evidence-based local drug policy.

Objectives

The monitoring system wants to collect long-term data related to drug use in a systematic and consistent way. Hereby the monitor focuses on users who are (at least partly) hidden from existing registrational police systems, justice or drug treatment agencies. The attention is focused on the insider’s view: the monitor wants to expose the characterization of drug use and detect the possible problems or needs drug users are facing. A Drug and Alcohol Monitor can provide the local Antwerp policy with data to estimate the prevalence of drug use and drug misuse. These data can unfold developments and trends, identify high-risk groups and risk factors and describe relations between patterns of drug use and the use of assistance/help on the one hand and the need for assistance/help on the other hand. If the monitor is executed on a regular basis, it will be possible to produce comparable information about particular target groups over a period of time. In this way an evidence-based local policy regarding prevention, harm reduction, assistance and safety remains possible. A permanent monitor also permits the follow-up of the effectiveness and analysis of the (un)intended effects of policy decisions on a local level.

Methodology

To gather information about these 'hidden populations', the local monitor consists of three qualitative parts: mobilization of 4 community fieldworkers, in-depth interviews with 40 key informants and ethnographic fieldwork. This methodology is based on an analysis of national and international literature concerning drug monitoring systems.

Valorisation: publications and lectures

  • DECORTE, T. (2011). Antwerpse Drug- en Alcoholmonitor. Tweede editie - resultaten 2010. Presentation at the Studienamiddag Antwerpse Drug- en Alcoholmonitor II, Antwerpen, 18 mei 2011.
  • DECORTE, T. & JANSSEN, K. (2011). Antwerpse Drug- en Alcoholmonitor. Een lokale drugscéne in beeld. Resultaten 2010. Antwerpen: Stad Antwerpen. Eindrapport.