The high drug use community: a natural laboratory for epidemiological experiments in addiction control

Abstract

This report reviews a series of intervention experiments aimed at reducing incidence and prevalence of heroin addiction in 6 Chicago neighborhoods. A key element in the research intervention model is the mobile epidemiological field team. During outreach, the team attempts to involve active addicts in attractive, convenient treatment. Projects are evaluated by monitoring local incidence and prevalence trends before, during, and after intervention.