Migratieachtergrond en verslavingszorg : niet evident

Over de plaats van mensen met een migratieachtergrond in de drughulpverlening weten we weinig. Hoe komt men in probleemgebruik terecht? Zijn patronen van druggebruik en hulpzoekgedrag anders? Veel vragen, weinig antwoorden

Gaia Early Data Release 3: Structure and properties of the Magellanic Clouds

We compare the Gaia DR2 and Gaia EDR3 performances in the study of the Magellanic Clouds and show the clear improvements in precision and accuracy in the new release. We also show that the systematics still present in the data make the determination of the 3D geometry of the LMC a difficult endeavour; this is at the very limit of the usefulness of the Gaia EDR3 astrometry, but it may become feasible with the use of additional external data. We derive radial and tangential velocity maps and global profiles for the LMC for the several subsamples we defined. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the two planar components of the ordered and random motions are derived for multiple stellar evolutionary phases in a galactic disc outside the Milky Way, showing the differences between younger and older phases. We also analyse the spatial structure and motions in the central region, the bar, and the disc, providing new insights into features and kinematics. Finally, we show that the Gaia EDR3 data allows clearly resolving the Magellanic Bridge, and we trace the density and velocity flow of the stars from the SMC towards the LMC not only globally, but also separately for young and evolved populations. This allows us to confirm an evolved population in the Bridge that is slightly shift from the younger population. Additionally, we were able to study the outskirts of both Magellanic Clouds, in which we detected some well-known features and indications of new ones

How to evaluate complex drug policies? A case study of the Belgian drug policy

Evaluation is widely considered an essential part of drug policy. Nevertheless, evaluators are often confronted with methodological and theoretical challenges, especially when dealing with complex policy initiatives like a national drug policy. After all, drug policies are characterized by high degrees of uncertainty and emergence, but also by gradual adaptation and dynamical patterns, bringing high levels of unpredictability. To match the evaluation framework to this complexity, we rely on a theory-driven evaluation (TDE) framework that explains how drug policy works rather than solely focusing on whether it works. By presenting the findings of a TDE of the Belgian drug policy, we discuss the challenges and benefits of designing and conducting a TDE of complex drug policy initiatives. This study relies on various methods to design and test the policy theory. Through a document analysis of the central policy documents, the policy theory is constructed. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with practitioners, experts, and civil servants (n=39) as well as people with lived experiences (n=22) were then conducted to explore how the policy theory is translated into practice. Based on the experience of a TDE of the Belgian drug policy, we draw lessons learned of how complex policy initiatives benefit from a TDE framework. These lessons include, amongst others, the visualization of the complexity and central mechanisms of the policy theory, identification of gaps in the policy theory, and the potential to demonstrate how the central mechanisms interact with context. The added value of a theory-based framework primarily lies in the theoretical understanding of mechanisms bringing about change, how they interact, and how they are operationalized in a (Belgian) context. Although a theory-driven framework has advantages for evaluating a complex drug policy, the models should still be understood as a simplification to guide the process examination

War on drugs? Er is vooral een warboel on drugs

Iedereen is vertrouwd met de ‘war on drugs’. In de praktijk is er vooral sprake van een ‘warboel on drugs’: ons huidige drugslandschap is versnipperd. Dat toont onderzoek van de Universiteit Gent aan. “Samenwerken is het antwoord.