Erowid
 
 
Plants - Drugs Mind - Spirit Freedom - Law Arts - Culture Library  
Erowid References Database
Error: Erowid Database Server is currently down.
Sorry for the inconvenience.

Connecting to host: as User: erowid_www with password failed.
Error: Failed to connect to MySQL: (1040) Too many connections
Griffiths P, Vingoe L, et al. 
“Drug information systems, early warning, and new drug trends: can drug monitoring systems become more sensitive to emerging trends in drug consumption?”. 
Subst Use Misuse. 2000;35(6-8):811-44.
Show Articles by
  • Griffiths P
  • Vingoe L
    • Article IDs
  • Erowid RefID: 629
  • PubMedID: unknown
    • Collections
  • Hofmann Collection
  • MDMA Collection
  • All References


    		•
    Abstract
    Drug Information Systems (DIS) are called upon to provide an early warning of emerging trends in drug use. However, little theoretical attention is directed toward exploring conceptual issues in this area. In this paper a typology of existing DIS is offered. Among the features that distinguish DIS are their structure (human network or organization systems) and the range of information sources used. Indicators of drug use can be placed on a continuum of sensitivity ranging from leading edge indicators to lagged indicators. Sensitivity implies volatility as sensitive indicators also react to fluctuations that do not become trends. DIS conventionally are largely reliant upon lagged indicators. What is required are DIS that combine a critical information processing function with the ongoing systematic collection of data from a range of data sources.