How to measure the social networks of drug abusers before and after treatment?

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To measure the social networks of drug abusers before and after treatment, researchers can use a combination of methods:

Administer a social network assessment tool like the Important People interview at intake and follow-up points to evaluate the size, composition, and quality of the social network. This identifies the number of network members who use drugs.

Track changes in the proportion of the social network consisting of drug users. A reduction in the percentage of drug-using friends from pre- to post-treatment indicates an improvement in network quality.

Assess the relationship between network changes and outcomes like substance use and criminal behavior. Decreases in the number of drug-using friends should correlate with reductions in the individual's own drug use and criminal activity.