Due to the significant impact of methamphetamine on our state, it has become critical to identify emerging substance use and abuse issues before they devastate our communities. This can be achieved by utilizing the expertise of practitioners as well as valuable community experience to inform the collection of data. Previously, the collection of statistical evidence has informed practice but practice has not informed data collection to the same extent. The relationship between data and practice needs to be a reciprocal one (i.e., the experience of practitioners and others who become aware of emerging substance abuse issues should lead to the formal collection of data related to these emerging patterns and this data should be shared with practitioners and other interested parties so that they may use this information to educate communities and combat substance abuse in their populaces). The Emerging Issues Subcommittee of the Substance Abuse Epidemiology Work Group was formed in September, 2007. This group will issue “Spotlight” reports, which shed light on the emerging issues and critical concerns of importance to our state.

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Blackburn
(602) 542-6004
jblackburn@az.gov