National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

Starting 2014, NSDUH introduced an independent multistage area probability sample within each state and D.C. States are the first level of stratification, and each state was then stratified into approximately equally populated state sampling regions (SSRs). Census tracts within each SSR were then selected, followed by census block groups within census tracts and area segments (i.e., a collection of census blocks) within census block groups. Finally, dwelling units (DUs) were selected within segments, and within each selected DU, up to two residents who were at least 12 years old were selected for the interview. Professional interviewers conduct the face-to-face surveys, and the data are used to support prevention and treatment programs, monitor substance use trends, estimate the need for treatment, and inform public health policy.

NSDUH is representative of persons aged 12 and over in the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States, and in each state and the District of Columbia (D.C.). The survey covers residents of households (including those living in houses, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums), persons in noninstitutional group quarters (including those in shelters, boarding houses, college dormitories, migratory work camps, and halfway houses), and civilians living on military bases. Persons excluded from the survey include people experiencing homelessness who do not use shelters, active military personnel, and residents of institutional group quarters such as jails, nursing homes, mental institutions, and long-term care hospitals.