National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 1999

The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) seriesmeasures the prevalence and correlates of drug use in the UnitedStates. The surveys are designed to provide quarterly, as well asannual, estimates. Information is provided on the use of illicitdrugs, alcohol, and tobacco among members of United States householdsaged 12 and older. Questions include age at first use as well aslifetime, annual, and past-month usage for the following drug classes:marijuana, cocaine (and crack), hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants,alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs, includingpain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. The surveycovers substance abuse treatment history and perceived need fortreatment, and includes questions from the Diagnostic and StatisticalManual (DSM) of Mental Disorders that allow diagnostic criteria to beapplied. Respondents are also asked about personal and family incomesources and amounts, health care access and coverage, illegalactivities and arrest record, problems resulting from the use ofdrugs, and needle-sharing. Questions introduced in previous NHSDAadministrations were retained in the 1999 survey, including questionsasked only of respondents aged 12 to 17. These "youth experiences"items covered a variety of topics, such as neighborhood environment,illegal activities, gang involvement, drug use by friends, socialsupport, extracurricular activities, exposure to substance abuseprevention and education programs, and perceived adult attitudestoward drug use and activities such as school work. Also retained werequestions on mental health and access to care, perceived risk of usingdrugs, perceived availability of drugs, driving behavior and personalbehavior, and cigar smoking. Questions on the tobacco brand used mostoften were introduced with the 1999 survey. Demographic data includegender, race, age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, jobstatus, veteran status, and current household composition.