The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States. This survey provides valuable data on various aspects of substance use, mental health, and related issues among individuals aged 12 and older. Let’s take a closer look at the type of data that the NSDUH provides.
Demographic Information
The NSDUH collects demographic information about the survey respondents, such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, and marital status. This data helps researchers understand how substance use and mental health issues vary across different population groups.
Substance Use
The NSDUH provides extensive information on substance use patterns in the United States. It collects data on the use of various substances including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs. The survey asks about past-month use, frequency of use, initiation age, and methods of administration.
Tobacco Use
The NSDUH gathers data on tobacco use, including cigarette smoking prevalence among different age groups. It also examines trends in alternative tobacco product use like e-cigarettes.
Alcohol Use
Data on alcohol consumption is another important component of the NSDUH. The survey measures past-month alcohol use, binge drinking (consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period), heavy drinking (consuming five or more drinks on the same occasion), and alcohol-related problems.
Marijuana Use
The NSDUH tracks marijuana use patterns, including both medical and non-medical marijuana usage. It examines trends in marijuana initiation age and perceptions of risk associated with marijuana use.
Prescription Drug Use
Data on prescription drug misuse is also collected by the NSDUH. The survey asks about the non-medical use of prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. It also examines sources of prescription drugs and reasons for misuse.
Illicit Drug Use
The NSDUH provides insights into illicit drug use, including the prevalence of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and other drugs. It also gathers data on substance use disorders related to illicit drug use.
Mental Health
In addition to substance use data, the NSDUH collects information on mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. This data helps identify the co-occurrence of substance use disorders and mental health issues.
Treatment Utilization
The NSDUH assesses the utilization of substance abuse treatment services among individuals with a substance use disorder. It collects data on different types of treatment received and barriers to accessing treatment.
Trends Over Time
The NSDUH has been conducted annually since 1971. This longitudinal survey allows researchers to analyze trends in substance use and mental health patterns over time. It provides insights into changes in prevalence rates, initiation ages, and attitudes towards various substances.
In Conclusion
The NSDUH is a valuable source of data that helps policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and educators understand the prevalence and patterns of substance use and mental health issues in the United States. The data collected through this survey enables evidence-based decision-making in prevention efforts, treatment interventions, and public health policies.