The volume argues that highly aggregated national data are of questionable use to local policy-oriented officials, and suggests ways to collect community indicator data. In addition, the book: (1) presents a theoretical perspective that guides and informs the practical strategies it describes; (2) contrasts this perspective with the public health model and the more traditional model that preceded it; (3) discusses the current state of systems theory in the social sciences and presents a computer simulation model of drug and alcohol use; (4) discusses and evaluates community indicators; (5) discusses the potential role of community surveys; and (6) discusses practical techniques for the primary collection of community indicator data. The book is intended for students interested in learning more about the assessment of community indicators of drug and alcohol use patterns and problems, community activists and practitioners who need help in understanding the dynamics underlying the problems, and researchers interested in studying the issue from a systems point of view. Notes, figures, tables, references, index