Models

Models are tools to aid thinking and to facilitate thoughtful policy debate.

We use the term “modelling” because we see the use of models as core integrating tools – capable of synthesising across drug policy domains, across disciplines and across stakeholder perspectives. The modelling approaches we are using include agent-based models, system dynamics, participative systems models, cost-benefit models, and hybrid models: combining two or more of these and other approaches. The models will allow policy-makers to explore the impacts of a range of policy options.

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Agent-based models

SimDrug

DPMP has developed SimDrug, a simulation of illicit drug markets. It was created within the Cormasİ platform. The program can be downloaded at http://cormas.cirad.fr/en/applica/simDrug.htm

Relevant SimDrug references:
Perez, P. & Dray, A. (2005). Monograph No. 11: SimDrug: Exploring the complexity of heroin use in Melbourne. DPMP Monograph Series. Fitzroy: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. Full text

Perez, P. Dray, A., Ritter, A., Dietze, P., Moore, T. & Mazerolle, L. (2006). SimDrug: A Multi-Agent Systsem Tackling the Complexity of Illicit Drug Markets in Australia. In P. Perez and D. Batten (Eds) Complex Science for a Complex World - Exploring Human Ecosystems with Agents. Canberra: ANU E press. pp. 193-224.
Abstract and full text not available. Please contact pascal.perez@anu.edu.au

SimDrugPolicing

SimDrugPolicing, a model designed to explore the relative impact of three law enforcement strategies - standard patrol, hot-spot policing and problem-oriented policing, has also been developed. To read the full project description, click here.

Relevant SimDrugPolicing references:
Dray, A., Mazerolle, L. , Perez, P. & Ritter, A. (2008). Drug Law Enforcement in an Agent-Based Model: Simulating the Disruption to Street-Level Drug Markets. In L. Liu and J. Eck (Eds.), Artificial Crime Analysis Systems: Using Computer Simulations and Geographic Information Systems (pp. 352-371). Idea Group Publishing: Hershey, PA.
Abstract: N. A. / Full text

SimHero

SimHero examines how street-level drug markets adapt to a macro-level disruption to the supply of heroin, under three experimental conditions of street-level drug law enforcement: random patrol, hot-spot policing and problem-oriented policing. This model is able to explore the relative impact of abstractions of these three law enforcement strategies after simulating an "external shock" to the supply of heroin to the street-level drug market. To read the full project description, click here.

Relevant SimHero references:
Dray, A., Mazerolle, L., Perez, P. and Ritter, A. (2008). Policing Australia's 'heroin drought': Using an agent-based model to simulate alternative outcomes. Journal of Experimental Criminology.
Abstract / Full text: not yet available

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Other models

A stocks-and-flows model has been completed. The related article is listed below:
Caulkins, J., Dietze, P. and Ritter, A. (2007). Dynamic Compartmental Model of Trends in Australia Drug Use. Health Care Management Science, 10, 151-162.
Abstract / Full text

Systems thinking models are described in Monograph No. 13

An article detailing a cost-effectiveness model comparing pharmacotherapy treatment, prison and residential rehabilitation has been published. The article can be found below:
Moore, T., Ritter, A. & Caulkins, J. (2007). The costs and consequences of three policy options for reducing heroin dependency. Drug and Alcohol Review, 26(4), 369-378.
Abstract / Full text