FAQ for RDC Access to CBHSQ Restricted-Use Data

The data of the Restricted Use File (RUF) of National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

SAMHSA’s restricted use data (RUF) has more comprehensive, detailed, and accurate data than PUF, with detailed race, sexual orientation, and geography.

You must submit a complete application via the interagency portal www.ResearchDataGov.org. The application information is available at the SAMHSA RDC landing page.

Cost of access to restricted use data depends on number of NSDUH years, location of access (such as National Center for Health Statistics network versus Federal Statistical Research Centers) and frequency of access (NCHS vs FSRDC).

We cannot list all criteria here. But here are few important procedural steps: After evaluating whether the application meets certain criteria, a SAMHSA Data Center team member will either approve, provide guidance for revision, or, in certain circumstances, reject the proposal. If approved, the researcher will complete confidentiality training and sign requisite forms and chose a research data center. Output from the data center must match table shells in the proposal and conform to SAMHSA’s objective of maintaining confidentiality for NSDUH survey participants (disclosure risk).

The median length is eight weeks. The quality of the application is the most important factor influencing the approval process. One of the reasons for application revisions may be that the table shells are not included in the initial application.

SAMHSA offers practical tools to help navigate the restricted use data process, including materials to prepare a quality application, procedures, the processes needing to be followed, restricted use codebooks to prepare your proposal, and an online query tool to run preliminary data (we encourage you to explore our online query tools to explore whether certain questions can be answered with the online query tool before proceeding). Please first checkout our “Guidelines for SAMHSA RDC Data Users” available on our webpage for an understanding of our resources, application process, RDC protocol, and disclosure criteria.

Output must mirror the approved application. The layout must match the approved tables and figures within the final application. Be aware that the output package submitted for SAMHSA RDC review must include an “RDC Output Summary Report” for any RDC projects initiated after July 1, 2022 (see “Guidelines for SAMHSA RDC Data Users” on our SAMHSA RDC webpage).

Only written documentation and water can be brought into the RDC. Please communicate with the RDC you are visiting prior to your visit.