National Sources of Existing Data

Source	Scope	Time Frame	Population	Topic(s)
Monitoring the Future [1] National Institute on Drug Abuse	National sample; regional data are also available	Annual since 1975	1975-present: high school seniors and graduates. Since 1991: added 8th and 10th graders. Follow up sample of college and young adults.	Prevalence and incidence of ATOD use, perceived harm, disapproval of use, perceived availability
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health [2] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [2]	National sample; regional data are also available	The Add Health study is longitudinal, with adolescents interviewed for a second time at a one-year interval. The original survey was conducted 1994-95.	Data are gathered from adolescents in grades 7-12 and from their parents, siblings, friends, romantic partners, fellow students, and school administrators.	Influences of individual and environmental factors on health and health-related behavior in such areas as diet, physical activity, health service use, morbidity, injury, violence, sexual behavior, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, suicidal intentions/thoughts, substance use/abuse, and runaway behavior.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)	National sample; some state and local data are also available	National school-based version biennial since 1990; tribes and states vary	Grades 9–12 since 1990	Incidence and prevalence of ATOD use, sexual activity, vehicle safety, weapons, violence, suicide, etc. (this study measures behavior vs. knowledge/attitudes)
School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey [4] National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics	National sample (same as sample for National Crime Victimization Survey)	Conducted in 1989, 1995, 1999, 2005, and 2009	Household members who had attended school during the six months preceding the interview	Experiences with and perceptions of crime and violence that occurred inside school, on school grounds, or on the way to or from school; preventive measures used by schools and school rules, after-school activities, availability of drugs and alcohol at school, etc.
National Crime Victimization Survey [5] Bureau of Justice Statistics	National sample	Annually since 1973	Various sources; primarily adults, but youth data are available	Frequency and nature of rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault, theft, household burglary, and motor vehicle theft
National Household Education Survey [6] National Center for Education Statistics	National sample	Conducted in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996,1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007	Household members, dependent on topic (e.g., parents of children in grades 3–12 and youth in grades 6–12 participated in the School Safety and Discipline survey)	Adult education and lifelong learning, civic involvement, early childhood education and school readiness, household library use, parent involvement in education, and school safety and discipline
National Survey on Drug Use and Health [7] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of Applied Studies	National sample; regional and state data available	Annual since 1973	Household members; data sorted by ages 12–17, 18– 25, 26–34, and over 35	Mainly incidence and prevalence of alcohol and drug use
U.S. Census [8] U.S.Census Bureau	National, regional, state, community, and census tract samples	Every 10 years; interim estimates are available	Household members (adults)	Population, race or ethnicity, age, income, education, number of children, etc.
Drug Abuse Warning Network [9] SAMHSA	National representative sample	Annual	Patients in hospital emergency departments; deaths recorded in medical examiner’s reports	Age, other demographic characteristics, major substances of abuse. Also produces special reports.
Fatal Accident Reporting System [10] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration	National sample	Annual since 1994	Deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions	Alcohol and drug involvement, major demographic characteristics
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System [11] CDC	National sample	Annual since 1984	Adults	Demographic information, information on alcohol use, states can add their own questions

Developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies contract. Reference #HHSS277200800004C. For training and/or technical assistance purposes only.