Att A B C D E G H

SAMPLE DESIGN
2014 vs. 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Sample Designs
Similar to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the 2014 NSDUH
sample design is a stratified, multi-stage area probability design. Both sample designs provide
for estimates by state in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). However, the allocation
of sample to states differs between the two surveys. As shown in Table 1, the 2014 survey will
have a sample designed to yield 4,560 completed interviews in California; 3,300 completed
interviews each in Texas, New York, and Florida; 2,400 completed interviews each in Illinois,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan; 1,500 completed interviews each in Georgia, North Carolina,
New Jersey, and Virginia; 967 completed interviews in Hawaii; and 960 completed interviews in
each of the remaining 37 states and DC, for a total national target sample size of 67,507. The
sample will be selected from 6,000 area segments which vary in size according to state. As
shown in Table 2, in the 2013 NSDUH design, the sample was divided into eight “large” states
and 43 “small” states (including the District of Columbia), with the large and small sample states
designed to yield 3,600 and 900 respondents per state, respectively. Unlike the 2014 design, the
2013 sample was designed to yield the same number of interviews from each area segment.
Table 1. Sample Sizes and Projected Respondents by State and Age Group, 2014 NSDUH

State

Total
Population
CA
TX, NY, FL
IL, PA, OH,
MI
GA, NC, NJ,
VA
HI
Remaining
37 States and
DC

State
Sampling
Regions
(SSRs)

Segment
Size

No. of
Segments

15.833
13.75

6,000
288
240

Age
12–17

Age
18–25

Age
26–34

Age
35–49

Age
50+

Total
Age
12+

16,877
1,140
825

16,877
1,140
825

10,126
684
495

13,501
912
660

10,126
684
495

67,507
4,560
3,300

750
36
30

600

600

360

480

360

2,400

24

12.5

192

375
242

375
242

225
145

300
193

225
145

1,500
967

15
12

12.5
10.07

120
96

240

240

144

192

144

960

12

10

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96

Table 2. Sample Sizes and Projected Respondents by State and Age Group, 2013 NSDUH

State

Total Population
Large Sample State
(CA, TX, NY, FL,
IL, PA, OH, and
MI)
Small Sample State
(Remaining 42
States and DC)

Age
12–17

Age
18–25

Age
26+

Total
Age 12+

State
Sampling
Regions
(SSRs)

Segment
Size

No. of
Segments

22,500
1,200

22,500
1,200

22,500
1,200

67,500
3,600

900
48

9.375
9.375

7,200
384

300

300

300

900

12

9.375

96

In addition to moving towards a proportional allocation by state, the 2014 design places more
sample in the 26 or older age groups to more accurately estimate drug use and related mental
health measures among the aging drug use population. For the 2014 NSDUH, each state sample
will be allocated to age groups as follows: 25 percent 12 to 17, 25 percent18 to 25, 15 percent 26
to 34, 20 percent 35 to 49, and 15 percent 50 or older. This compares to the following sample
allocation established in 2013: 33.3 percent 12 to 17, 33.3 percent 18 to 25, 8.9 percent 26 to 34,
13.3 percent 35 to 49, and 11.1 percent 50 or older.
Another difference in the 2014 sample design is that the sample will be designed to yield a
minimum of 200 completed interviews in Kauai County, Hawaii over a three-year period. This
will allow for Kauai County to be included as a separate entity in the production of substate
estimates that are produced biennially and typically based on three years of data. To achieve this
goal while maintaining precision at the state level, Kauai County will be treated separately from
the remainder of Hawaii for sample allocation and sample size management purposes. The
annual sample in Hawaii will consist of 67 completed interviews in Kauai and 900 completed
interviews in the remainder of the state, for a total of 967 completed interviews each year.
Finally, the 2014 design includes the selection of Census block groups at the second stage of
selection. This additional stage of selection was included to facilitate moving to an address-based
sample (ABS) design in the future, if desired. Compared to geocoding at the Census block level,
geocoding accuracy improves significantly at the Census block group level in both rural and
urban areas. Thus, in an ABS design, Census block groups would serve as geographic clusters in
areas with sufficient mailing address coverage. The selection of Census tracts at the first stage of
selection and Census block groups at the second stage has the potential to reduce sampling
variance by controlling the distribution of selected areas and reducing the chance of selecting
neighboring and possibly similar areas within tracts and block groups. In addition, the merging
of NSDUH data to external data sources for future analysis purposes is simplified when sampled
areas are contained within tract and block group boundaries to the extent possible.
First, Second, and Third Stages of Selection: Census Tracts, Census Block Groups and
Segments

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A coordinated sample for the period 2014-2017 has been selected down to the area segment level
as a means of coordinating the overlap of sample areas from year to year.The “first level” of
stratification within the coordinated design is states. The larger sample sizes obtained at the state
level along with small area estimation (SAE) techniques or direct estimation techniques will
enable the development of estimates for all states, for several demographic subgroups within
each state (e.g., age group and gender), for some Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs), and for
other small areas.
The “second level” of stratification within the coordinated design was defined as contiguous
geographic areas (groups of Census tracts) within each state. Within each state, state sampling
regions (SSRs) are of approximately equal size in terms of the population and allocated state
sample, except in Hawaii where Kauai County is its own SSR and the remainder of the state is
divided into equal-sized regions.
The design of the first stage of selection began with the construction of an area sample frame that
contained one record for each census tract in the United States. If necessary, census tracts were
aggregated until each tract had a minimum number of dwelling units. In California, Texas, New
York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and
Virginia, this minimum size requirement was 250 dwelling units in urban areas and 200 dwelling
units in rural areas. In the remaining states and DC, the minimum requirement was 150 dwelling
units in urban areas and 100 dwelling units in rural areas. After primary sampling units (PSUs;
one or more census tracts) were formed, a sample was selected within each SSR with
probabilities proportionate to a composite size measure and with minimum replacement.
Additional implicit stratification was achieved by sorting the first-stage sampling units by a
CBSA/SES (socioeconomic status) indicator 1 and by percent non-Hispanic white prior to
selection.
For the second stage of selection, adjacent Census block groups were aggregated within selected
PSUs as necessary to meet the minimum dwelling unit requirements (150 or 250 dwelling units
in urban areas and 100 or 200 dwelling units in rural areas, according to state). After the
resulting secondary sampling units (SSUs; one or more census block groups) were formed, one
SSU was selected per sampled PSU with probability proportionate to a composite size measure.
For the third stage of sampling for the coordinated sample, each of the selected Census block
groups was partitioned into clusters of dwelling units by aggregating adjacent Census blocks.
Consistent with the terminology used in previous surveys, these geographic clusters of blocks are
referred to as segments. Segments were formed so that they contain the same minimum number
of dwelling units as the PSU (i.e., Census tracts) and SSU (i.e., Census block groups) to which
they belong. That is, area segments contain at least 150 or 250 dwelling units in urban areas and
100 or 200 dwelling units in rural areas according to state. Segments were constructed using
1

Four categories are defined as: (1) CBSA/low SES, (2) CBSA /high SES, (3) Non CBSA /low SES, and
(4) Non-CBSA /high SES.

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2010 Decennial Census data supplemented with 2013 population projections obtained from
outside sources. A sample dwelling unit in the survey refers to either a housing unit or a group
quarters listing unit such as a dormitory room or a shelter bed.
One segment was selected within each selected Census block group with probability
proportionate to a composite size measure. Segments were formed so that they will contain
sufficient numbers of dwelling units to support one field test and two annual survey samples.
This allows half of the segments used in any given year’s main sample to be used again in the
following year as a means of improving the precision of measures of annual change. This also
allows for any special supplemental sample or field test that SAMHSA may wish to conduct
within the same segments.
A sample of 8 segments per SSR will be used for the 2014 survey year. These 8 segments will
be randomly assigned to quarters and to two panels within each quarter. The panels used in the
2014 survey will be designated as panels 1 and 2. Panel 1 segments will be used for the 2014
survey only. The panel 2 segments will be used for the 2014 survey and again in the 2015
survey, constituting the 50 percent overlap in survey samples. Dwelling units that are not
selected for the 2014 survey will be eligible for selection in the panel 2 segments in 2015.
Approximately one-fourth of the final sample of respondents will be collected from each
calendar quarter. This design feature will help control the influence of seasonal variation on
drug use prevalence estimates and other important survey outcome measures of interest.
Fourth Stage of Selection: Listed Lines
Before any sample selection within selected segments can proceed, specially trained field
household listers will list all dwelling units and potential dwelling units within each selected area
segment. A dwelling unit is either a housing unit for a single household or one of the eligible
noninstitutional group quarters listing units that are part of the defined target population. The
listings will be based primarily on observations of the area segment and may include vacant
dwelling units and units that appear to be dwelling units but may actually be used for
nonresidential purposes. The objective of the listing is to attain as complete a listing of eligible
residential addresses as possible; any false positives for residences will be eliminated during the
household screening process after the sample is selected.
The sampling frame for the fourth stage of sample selection will be the lines of listed dwelling
units and potential dwelling units. After accounting for eligibility, nonresponse, and the fifthstage sample selection procedures, it was determined that roughly 165,330 lines will need to be
selected in order to obtain a sample of 67,507 responding persons distributed by state and agegroup as shown in Table 1. While fewer persons aged 12 to 17 will be sampled for the 2014
NSDUH, this age group continues to be sampled at the highest rate relative to its population and
continues to drive the number of selected lines that are needed to yield the desired sample. For
this reason, the number of selected lines required for the 2014 NSDUH is substantially lower
than the number of selected lines required to yield a sample of 67,500 persons in previous years.
Fifth Stage of Selection: Persons

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After dwelling units are selected within each segment, an interviewer will visit each selected
dwelling unit to obtain a roster of all persons residing in the dwelling unit. This roster
information will be used to select 0, 1, or 2 persons for the survey. Sampling rates will be pre-set
by age group and State. Roster information will be entered directly into the electronic screening
instrument which will automatically implement this fifth stage of selection based on the State
and age group sampling parameters.
One exciting consequence of using an electronic screening instrument in the survey is the ability
to efficiently sample from all possible pairs of respondents within a dwelling unit while
preserving the target sampling rates for individuals within 5 age groups (12 to 17, 18 to 25, 26 to
34, 35 to 49, and 50 or older). Using an adaptation of Brewer’s method for samples of size 2, a
sample of 0, 1, or 2 persons will be selected from each dwelling unit. As a consequence, any two
survey-eligible people within a dwelling unit will have a known chance of being selected, that is,
all survey eligible pairs of people will have some nonzero chance of being selected. This feature
of the design is of interest to survey researchers because for example, it will allow analysts to
examine how the drug use propensity of one individual in a family will relate to the drug use
propensity of another family member residing in the same dwelling unit (e.g., the relationship of
drug use between a parent and child).
As illustrated in Table 3, at the fifth stage of selection, roughly 86,883 people will be selected
from within 119,181 screened and eligible dwelling units. Assuming an 87% screening
completion rate and a 78% interview completion rate, these sample sizes are sufficient to obtain
the desired 67,507 person respondents.
Table 3. Summary of 2014 Main Study Design

Statistic

2012
NSDUH
(Actual)

State Sampling (SS) Regions
Segments
Selected Lines
Eligible Dwelling Units
Completed Screening Interviews
Selected Persons
Completed Interviews

900
7,200
214,274
178,586
153,873
87,656
68,309

2014
NSDUH
750
6,000
165,330
136,504
119,181
86,883
67,507

2012 Rate
(Actual)

2014 Rate

0.83
0.86
0.57
0.78

0.83
0.87
0.73
0.78

Expected Precision of Survey Estimates
The multistage, stratified 2014 survey design has been designed to achieve acceptable precision
for various person subpopulations of interest. The allocation of persons per state and age group
(12-17, 18-25, 26-34, 35-49, and 50 or older) was also taken as a requirement to support direct
estimation in some large sample states and SAE in the remaining states. Table 4 shows the

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projected relative standard errors for selected prevalence measures. Relative standard errors
based on the current design are also shown for comparison.

P-6

Table 4. Estimated Prevalences and Relative Standard Errors for Key Measures by
Demographic Domain
Measure

Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Alcohol Use
Past Month Binge Alcohol Use
Past Month Binge Alcohol Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Marijuana Use
Past Month Cigarette Use
Past Month Cigarette Use
Past Month Pain Reliever Use
Past Month Pain Reliever Use
Past Year Alcohol Disorder
Past Year Illicit Drug Disorder
Substance Use Disorder
Past Year Specialty Substance Use Treatment
Past Year SMI
Past Year MDE

Domain

12+
12-20
50+
API,12+
AIAN, 12+
Pregnant, 12-44
18-25
12+
12+
12-17
18-25
50+
API,12+
AIAN, 12+
Pregnant, 12-44
12-17
12+
18-25
12+
12+
12+
50+
12+
18+
18+

Prevalence

0.5180
0.2616
0.4787
0.3861
0.3659
0.1085
0.4049
0.2308
0.0686
0.0740
0.1853
0.0225
0.0259
0.1010
0.0309
0.0838
0.2300
0.0443
0.0201
0.0708
0.0282
0.0376
0.0102
0.0502
0.0683

2010 RSE

0.0075
0.0157
0.0169
0.0523
0.1016
0.1494
0.0122
0.0129
0.0234
0.0344
0.0205
0.1056
0.1827
0.1857
0.1558
0.0309
0.0134
0.0422
0.0422
0.0229
0.0344
0.0770
0.0596
0.0319
0.0280

Projected
RSE

0.0067
0.0208
0.0129
0.0422
0.0762
0.1391
0.0128
0.0112
0.0206
0.0372
0.0224
0.0816
0.1439
0.1370
0.2061
0.0357
0.0125
0.0473
0.0368
0.0200
0.0279
0.0653
0.0558
0.0261
0.0238

Note: Prevalence estimates and RSEs are based on data from the 2010 NSDUH while the
projected RSEs were determined using 2014-2017 state and age sample allocations in a variance
component model.

P-7

DEPARTM ENT OF HEAL TH & HUM AN SERVI CES

U.S. Public Health Service
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
Rockville, MD 20857

______________, 2014

Dear Resident:
To better serve all people across the nation, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS)
is conducting a national study on health-related issues. Your address was randomly chosen
along with more than 200,000 others. Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is under contract to
carry out this study for the USPHS. Soon, an RTI interviewer will be in your neighborhood to
give you more information.
When the interviewer arrives, please ask to see his or her personal identification card. An
example of the ID card is shown below. The interviewer will ask you a few questions, and
then may ask one or two members of your household to complete an interview. It is possible
that no one from your household will be chosen to be interviewed. You may choose not to
take part in this study, but no one else can take your place. Every person who is chosen and
completes the interview will receive $30 in cash.
All the information collected is confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.
This is assured by federal law. This letter is addressed to “Resident” because your address was
selected, and we do not know your name. Feel free to ask the interviewer any questions you
have about the study.
Your help is very important to this study’s success. Thank you for your cooperation.

pl
m
Ex
a

Joel Kennet, Ph.D.
National Study Director,
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics
and Quality

e

Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director, RTI
(800) 848-4079
______________________________
Assigned Field Interviewer

Confidentiality protected by the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (PL 107-347)
Authorized by Section 505 of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 290aa4)
Approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB Approval No. 0930-0110)

Sorry I
Missed You…
Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194

Sorry I
Missed You…
Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194

Dear Resident:

Dear Resident:

I stopped by today to talk to you about an
important research study being conducted by RTI.

I stopped by today to talk to you about an
important research study being conducted by RTI.

I am sorry that I did not find you at home. I will
return to talk with you in the next few days.

I am sorry that I did not find you at home. I will
return to talk with you in the next few days.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,__________________________________

Sincerely,__________________________________

Date: ________________ Time: ______________

Date: ________________ Time: ______________

Study
Description
U.S. Public Health Service
Center for Behavioral Health
Statistics and Quality
Your address is one of several in this area randomly chosen for the 2014 National
Survey on Drug Use and Health. This study, sponsored by the United States Public
Health Service, collects information for research and program planning by asking about:
• tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use,
• knowledge and attitudes about drugs,
• mental health, and
• other health issues.
You cannot be identified through any information you give us. Your name and address
will never be connected to your answers. Also, federal law requires us to keep all of
your answers confidential. Any data that you provide will only be used by authorized
personnel for statistical purposes according to the Confidential Information Protection
and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
The screening questions take just a few minutes. If anyone is chosen, the interview will
take about an hour. You can refuse to answer any questions, and you can quit at any
time. Each person who is chosen and completes the interview will receive $30
in cash.
If you have questions about the study, call the Project Representative at 1-800-8484079. If you have questions about your rights as a study participant, call RTI’s Office of
Research Protection at 1-866-214-2043 (a toll-free number). You can also visit our
project website: http://nsduhweb.rti.org/ for more information.
Thank you for your cooperation and time.

Peter Tice, Ph.D.
Project Officer
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
U.S. Public Health Service
Department of Health and Human Services
Your confidentiality is protected by the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002
(CIPSEA, PL 107-347). Any project staff or authorized data user who violates CIPSEA may be subject to a jail
term of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
NOTICE: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, Paperwork Reduction Project (09300110); Room 2-1057; 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control number for this project is 0930-0110, expiration date xx/xx/xx.

INTRODUCTION AND INFORMED CONSENT FOR
INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS AGE 18+

IF INTERVIEW RESPONDENT IS NOT SCREENING RESPONDENT,
INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND STUDY AS NECESSARY: Hello, I’m ________,
and I’m working on a nationwide study sponsored by the U.S. Public Health
Service. You should have received a letter about this study. (SHOW LEAD
LETTER, IF NECESSARY.)
READ THE BOXED INFORMATION BELOW
BEFORE STARTING EVERY INTERVIEW

This year, we are interviewing about 70,000 people across the nation. You have
been randomly chosen to take part. You will represent over 4,500 other people who
are similar to you. You may choose not to take part in this study, but no one else
can take your place. We will give you $30 when you finish the interview.
GIVE STUDY DESCRIPTION TO R IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
This study asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use, knowledge and
attitudes about drugs, mental health, and other health issues. It takes about an
hour. You will answer most of the questions on the computer, so I will not see your
answers. We are only interested in the combined responses from all 70,000 people,
not just one person’s answers. This is why we do not ask for your name and we
keep your answers separate from your address. RTI may contact you by phone or
mail to ask a few questions about the quality of my work. This is why we ask for
your phone number and mailing current address at the end of the interview.
While the interview has some personal questions, federal law keeps your answers
private. We hope that protecting your privacy will help you to give accurate
answers. You can quit the interview at any time and you can refuse to answer any
questions.
If it is all right with you, let’s get started.
(Can we find a private place to complete the interview?)

INTRODUCTION AND INFORMED CONSENT FOR
INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS AGE 12-17
FIRST, READ THE PARENTAL PERMISSION SCRIPT BELOW AND
OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE PARENT

Your (AGE) year-old child has been selected to be in this study. Your child’s participation is
voluntary. This interview asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use, knowledge
and attitudes about drugs, mental health, and other health related issues. All of your child’s
answers will be confidential and used only for statistical purposes. Since your child will answer
most of the questions on the computer, I will never see the answers, and you are not allowed
to see them either. If it is all right with you, we’ll get started.
(Can we find a private place to complete the interview?)

THEN, READ THE BOXED INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE STARTING EVERY
INTERVIEW WITH A 12-17 YEAR OLD

This year, we are interviewing about 70,000 people across the nation. You have been
randomly chosen to take part. You will represent over 1,000 young people in this country who
are similar to you. You may choose not to take part in this study, but no one else can take
your place. We will give you $30 when you finish the interview.
GIVE STUDY DESCRIPTION TO R IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
This study asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use, knowledge and attitudes
about drugs, mental health, and other health issues. It takes about an hour. You will answer
most of the questions on the computer, so I will not see your answers. Your answers will
never be seen by either your parents or your school. We are only interested in the combined
responses from all 70,000 people, not just one person’s answers. This is why we do not ask
for your name and we keep your answers separate from your address. RTI may contact you
by phone or mail to ask a few questions about the quality of my work. This is why we ask for
your phone number and mailing current address at the end of the interview.
While the interview has some personal questions, federal law keeps your answers private. We
hope that protecting your privacy will help you to give accurate answers. You can quit the
interview at any time and you can refuse to answer any questions.
If it is all right with you, let’s get started.

What Is the National Survey on
Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)?

National
Survey on
Drug Use
and Health

For more information on
NSDUH or SAMHSA, contact:
NSDUH National Study Director
SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral
Health Statistics and Quality
1 Choke Cherry Road
Room 2-1113
Rockville, MD 20857
For more information on
NSDUH or RTI, contact:
NSDUH National Field Director
Research Triangle Institute
3040 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
1-800-848-4079

Answering Your Important Questions

Internet Users: You may access more
information about SAMHSA at:

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health
(NSDUH) is the Federal Government's primary
source of national data on the use of alcohol,
tobacco, and illicit substances. The survey also
contains questions on health, illegal behaviors,
and other topics associated with substance use.
The study was initiated in 1971 and currently is
conducted on an annual basis. This year
approximately 70,000 individuals, 12 years old
and older, will be randomly selected and asked
to voluntarily participate.

Why Should I Participate?
■

NSDUH is the primary source of
national data on the use of
alcohol, tobacco, and illicit
substances. By volunteering in
this study, you are helping us
gather this important information
that is needed to make accurate
policy decisions.

■

Individual residents of selected
households, who are randomly
chosen and agree to participate,
are given $30 in cash at the end of
the interview.

■

If selected to participate, you will
represent over 4,500 other United
States residents. Since our sample
is selected based on scientific
random sampling, no other
household or person can be
substituted.

■

By participating in this study, you
will be assisting with the
formation of public policy.

The primary objectives of NSDUH are:
■ to provide accurate data on the level
and patterns of alcohol, tobacco,
and illegal substance use and abuse;
■ to track trends in the use of alcohol,
tobacco, and various types of drugs;
■ to assess the consequences of
substance use and abuse; and

http://www.samhsa.gov
Additional information about RTI is available at:
http://www.rti.org

■ to identify those groups at high risk
for substance use and abuse.

Additional information about the National
Survey on Drug Use and Health is available at:
http://nsduhweb.rti.org

Sponsored by
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration
U.S. Public Health Service
V.1.13

U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services

Conducted by
Research Triangle Institute
3040 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Answering Your Important Questions about the

What is the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA)?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) is an agency of the U.S.
Public Health Service in the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS). SAMHSA
provides leadership and a Federal focus for the
Nation’s mental health and substance abuse
treatment and prevention programs. NSDUH is
used to help facilitate this mission by monitoring
the nature and extent of substance use in the
United States, as well as the consequences of
this use.

How Was I Selected?
A scientific random sample of households is
selected throughout the United States. Once
selected, no other residence can be substituted
for any reason. A professional RTI interviewer
makes a personal visit to each household to ask
several initial questions. One or possibly two
residents of your household may be asked to
voluntarily participate in the survey. If you are
selected, no other person can be substituted.
Since the survey is based on a random sample,
you will represent over 4,500 other United States
residents.

What if I Do Not Smoke, Drink or
Use Illegal Drugs?

What Happens to My
Information?

In order to know the percentage of people who
do use these substances, we also have to know
how many people do not. Therefore, the
responses of people who do not use drugs are
just as important as those of people who do. You
do not need to know anything about drugs to
answer the questions. In addition, we ask a
number of health-related questions that are
relevant for all people.

Each computerized interview data file—which
is identified only by a code number—is
electronically transmitted to RTI on the same
day the interview is conducted. The answers
then are combined with all other participants’
answers, and are coded, totaled, and turned
into statistics for analysis. As a quality-control
measure, you may receive a telephone call or a
letter from RTI to verify that the interviewer
did complete the survey with you.

How Is the Study Administered?

How Does the Government
Conduct the Study?
Under a competitive bidding process,
SAMHSA selects a survey research organization
to administer NSDUH. Currently, Research
Triangle Institute (RTI) is under contract to
conduct NSDUH through 2013. RTI, which is
located in Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, and closely associated with the
University of North Carolina, Duke University,
and North Carolina State University, is a large,
experienced research organization that has
conducted NSDUH since 1988.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health

How Will the Data Be Used?
Government agencies, private organizations,
individual researchers, and the public at large
use the data for a number of purposes. For
example, the U.S. Public Health Service and
state health agencies use data from NSDUH to
estimate the need for drug treatment facilities.
Other federal, state, and local agencies use the
information to support their drug use prevention
programs and to monitor drug control strategies.

NSDUH data are collected in the privacy of the
participant’s home. A professional RTI
interviewer personally visits each selected
household to administer the
NSDUH questionnaire using a
laptop computer. For some
items, the interviewer reads
questions and enters the
responses into the computer;
however, the participant privately enters most
responses directly into the computer. The survey
takes about an hour to complete.

Will My Answers Be Kept
Confidential?
Both SAMHSA and RTI are committed to
assuring complete confidentiality of responses.
Our interest is only in the combination of all
responses nationwide—not anyone's individual
answers. Your full name is never recorded or
associated with your answers. The information
is only used for statistical purposes and cannot
be used for any other purpose. Confidentiality
of all answers to questions in this survey is
assured under Federal law, the Confidential
Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA). Any project
staff or authorized data user who violates
CIPSEA may be subject to a jail term of up to
5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

Unable to Contact Letters
[DATE]

Resident
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Dear Resident:
Recently, a Field Interviewer from Research Triangle Institute attempted to contact your household about
participating in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. So far, we have been unable to speak with anyone
in your household. Your participation in this study is important—this is why we continue to try and reach you.
Some people are cautious about speaking to a stranger at the door, and that is understandable. Please know that
we are not soliciting or selling anything—we have just a few general questions to ask that will take about five
minutes.
It is not necessary for you to let the interviewer into your home—you can answer the questions right at your door.
After these initial questions, someone in your household may or may not be randomly selected to participate in
the full interview. If anyone is selected for the full interview, that person will receive $30 in cash at the end
of the interview as a token of appreciation for participating.
A limited number of households were randomly selected to represent the population of the U.S. Your household
cannot be replaced. If you choose not to participate, your experiences and views—as well as the thousands of
people you represent—will not have a chance to be heard.
Thank you for your time. I hope you’ll choose to participate in this extremely important and beneficial study.
Sincerely,

[FS NAME], Field Supervisor

P.S. Please, if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, telephone me toll-free at [TOLL
FREE NUMBER].

________________________
*The National Survey on Drug Use and Heath is conducted by Research Triangle Institute for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of Health and Human Services.
[http://nsduhweb.rti.org] [http://www.samhsa.gov] [http://www.rti.org]

1

Unable to Contact Letters

[DATE]

Resident
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Attention: [age] year old [gender] resident

Dear Resident:
Recently, a Field Interviewer from Research Triangle Institute came to your home and asked you to participate in
the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. You were not available to complete the interview at that time and
have been away or unavailable each time the interviewer has returned since then. Your participation in this study
is important—this is why we continue to try and reach you.
A limited number of people were randomly selected to represent the population of the U.S. You cannot be
replaced. If you choose not to participate, your experiences and views—as well as the thousands of people you
represent—will not be heard.
Your answers to the survey questions are combined with the answers of thousands of other people and reported
only as overall numbers. To further protect your privacy, the survey is set up so that you record most of your own
answers—the interviewer never sees or hears them. Also, the option to refuse to answer any question is always
available.
The results of this study help state and national policymakers learn about health issues—including information on
alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, non-use, and opinions—so that informed decisions about policies and programs
can be made. By participating in this study, you will make a direct impact on important health-related decisions.
Your participation is critical to the success of this study, and we are happy to make a special effort to work around
your schedule so that you can be included. Please feel free to call me to set up an appointment time—the
interview can also be conducted at a neutral location such as a public library.
We appreciate that your time is a precious. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive $30 in cash at the
end of the interview.
Thank you for your time. I hope you’ll choose to participate in this extremely important and beneficial study.
Sincerely,
[FS NAME], Field Supervisor
P.S. Please, if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, telephone me toll-free at [TOLL
FREE NUMBER].

________________________
*The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse is conducted by Research Triangle Institute for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of Health and Human Services.
[http://nsduhweb.rti.org] [http://www.samhsa.gov] [http://www.rti.org]

2

Controlled Access Flyer

ATTENTION RESIDENTS!
The U.S. Public Health Service, a part of the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS), is conducting a national survey on healthrelated issues in order to provide better future services to all segments
of the population. Research Triangle Institute has been contracted to
complete the work.
Some residences in this building were randomly selected for
participation in this survey. A field representative, [FIELD
INTERVIEWER], will be at your complex:
• [DATE]
• [TIMES]
• [LOCATION]
The initial questions will only take a few minutes and then one or two
persons from your household may be asked to participate in a voluntary
interview. It is also possible that no one will be selected to participate.
All data collected will be kept completely confidential. This survey is
covered by the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency section of the E-Government Act of 2002 (Public Law 107347) which ensures that any information provided will only be used for
statistical purposes and cannot be used for any other purpose.
Our field representative is registered with your local police department.
You may contact Field Supervisor [FS NAME] at [FS PHONE NUMBER]
or visit https://nsduhweb.rti.org/ on the internet to verify the legitimacy of
the survey.
Your participation is extremely important to the success of this
study and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
3

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear Resident:
Recently we sent a letter requesting your help with a national study on health-related issues conducted
by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service.
A limited number of household addresses—including yours—were randomly chosen to take part in this
important study. No other household or person can take your place. Information gathered from this
study is used by researchers and local, state and federal health agencies in developing various medical
and health-related policies and programs.
Typically, a professional RTI interviewer visits each selected residence in person. We respect the
policies of [COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME] and appreciate your desire for privacy, so we are
contacting you by mail instead. Your participation in this study is very important or we would not
continue to try to reach you.
Since we cannot contact you in person, we ask you to please call our supervisor for your area, [FIRST &
LAST NAMES] to set an appointment for an RTI interviewer to visit your household.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
The interviewer only needs a few minutes of your time to see if someone in your household will be
chosen for an interview. Every person who is chosen and completes the full interview will receive
$30 in cash at the end of the interview. Any information you provide is kept completely confidential
and will be used only for statistical purposes.
For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
Your call to [MR./MS. LAST NAME] is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank
you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
4

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[NAME OF COMPLEX/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Attention: [age and gender of respondent]

Dear Resident:
Recently, an interviewer from Research Triangle Institute (RTI) came to your [HOME /RESIDENCE
HALL] and asked you to participate in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)*. Your
participation in this study is important—which is why we continue to try to reach you.
We want to provide you with additional information about the study:
•

A limited number of individuals—including you—were randomly chosen to take part. No other
person can take your place in this study.

•

As a token of our appreciation, you will receive $30 in cash at the end of the interview.

•

Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and will be used only for statistical
purposes.

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

We are happy to work around your schedule so that you can be included. Please contact our supervisor
for your area, [FIRST & LAST NAME], to set up an appointment.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
If [MR./MS. LAST NAME] is not available when you call, please leave your phone number, address
and the time you wish to be interviewed. [HE/SHE] will call you to confirm your appointment.
Thank you for your time. Your call to [MR./MS. LAST NAME] is very important to the success of this
study, and I thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
_______________________
*The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is conducted by Research Triangle Institute for the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department
of Health and Human Services.

5

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[NAME OF COMPLEX]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Attention: Parent of [age and gender of respondent]

Dear Resident:
Recently, an interviewer from Research Triangle Institute (RTI) came to your home and asked your
[SON/DAUGHTER] to participate in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)*.
[HIS/HER] participation in this study is important—which is why we continue to try to reach you.
We want to provide you with additional information about the study:
•

A limited number of individuals—including your [SON/DAUGHTER]—were randomly chosen
to take part. No other person can take [HIS/HER] place in this study.

•

As a token of our appreciation, [HE/SHE] will receive $30 in cash at the end of the interview.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential and will be used only for statistical
purposes.

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

We are happy to work around your family’s schedule so that your [SON/DAUGHTER] can be included.
Please contact our supervisor for your area, [FIRST & LAST NAME], to set up an appointment.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
If [MR./MS. LAST NAME] is not available when you call, please leave your phone number, address
and the time you wish to be visited for your [SON’S/DAUGHTER’S] interview. [HE/SHE] will call you
to confirm the appointment.
Thank you for your time. Your call to [MR./MS. LAST NAME] is very important to the success of this
study, and I thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
_______________________
*The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is conducted by Research Triangle Institute for the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department
of Health and Human Services.

6

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Dear Resident:
Recently we sent a letter requesting your help with a national study on health-related issues conducted
by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service.
A limited number of household addresses—including yours—were randomly chosen to take part in this
important study. No other household or person can take your place. Information gathered from this study
is used by researchers and local, state and federal health agencies in developing various medical and
health-related policies and programs.
Typically, a professional RTI interviewer visits each selected residence in person. We appreciate your
desire for privacy, so we are contacting you by mail instead. Your participation in this study is very
important or we would not continue to try to reach you.
Since we cannot contact you in person, we ask you to please call our supervisor for your area, [FIRST &
LAST NAMES] to set an appointment for an RTI interviewer to visit your household.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
The interviewer only needs a few minutes of your time to see if someone in your household will be
chosen for an interview. Every person who is chosen and completes the full interview will receive $30
in cash at the end of the interview. Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and
will be used only for statistical purposes.
For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
Your call to [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank
you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
7

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[NAME OF RESIDENCE HALL/STUDENT APTS]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear Resident:
We need your assistance with an important national study on health-related issues conducted by
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service.
A limited number of addresses—including yours—were randomly chosen to take part in this study. No
other household or person can take your place. Information gathered from this study is used by
researchers and local, state and federal health agencies in developing various medical and health-related
policies and programs.
Typically, a professional RTI interviewer visits each selected residence in person. We respect the
policies of [DORMITORY/RESIDENCE HALL NAME OR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NAME] and
appreciate your desire for privacy, so we are contacting you by mail instead. Your participation in this
study is very important or we would not continue to try to reach you.
Since we cannot contact you in person, we ask you to please call our supervisor for your area, [FIRST &
LAST NAMES] to set an appointment for an RTI interviewer to visit your residence.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
The interviewer only needs a few minutes of your time to see if someone living at your residence will be
chosen for an interview. Every person who is chosen and completes the full interview will receive $30
in cash at the end of the interview. Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and
will be used only for statistical purposes.
For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
Your call to [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank
you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
8

Call Me Letters
[DATE]
Resident
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Dear Resident:
Recently we sent a letter requesting your help with a national study on health-related issues conducted
by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service.
A limited number of household addresses—including yours—were randomly chosen to take part in this
important study. No other household or person can take your place. Information gathered from this study
is used by researchers and local, state and federal health agencies in developing various medical and
health-related policies and programs.
Typically, a professional RTI interviewer visits each selected residence in person. We have been unable
to contact you in this manner, so we are contacting you by mail instead. Your participation in this study
is very important or we would not continue to try to reach you.
Since we cannot contact you in person, we ask you to please call our supervisor for your area, [FIRST &
LAST NAMES] to set an appointment for an RTI interviewer to visit your household.
Please call:
[FIRST & LAST NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER] (toll free)
The interviewer only needs a few minutes of your time to see if someone in your household will be
chosen for an interview. Every person who is chosen and completes the full interview will receive $30
in cash at the end of the interview. Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and
will be used only for statistical purposes.
For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
Your call to [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank
you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
9

Controlled Access Letters
[DATE]
[NAME], [TITLE]
[COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [DR./MR./MS.] [NAME]:
Recently one of our interviewers, [FIRST & LAST NAMES], attempted to contact specific [ROOMS/
RESIDENCES] on the [COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NAME] campus that were randomly selected to
participate in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a study conducted by Research
Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service. So far, [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] has been
unable to [GAIN ACCESS/GAIN FULL ACCESS] to [NAME OF RESIDENCE HALL/STUDENT
APTS], and we are asking for your help.
We understand your responsibility to protect the students on campus and want to provide you with
additional information about the study:
• We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.
• The NSDUH provides valuable national and state-level information about important healthrelated issues including experiences with and opinions about the use or non-use of alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco. For this reason, it is just as important that we talk to people who have not
used drugs as it is that we talk to people who have.
• A limited number of [ROOMS/HOUSEHOLDS] were randomly chosen to take part. We do not
have any information about the residents other than an address.
• The RTI interviewer only needs a few minutes of the residents’ time to see if someone in the
[ROOM/HOUSEHOLD] will be asked to participate in an interview. If selected, those
completing the interview receive a cash incentive.
• All information provided is kept completely confidential and used for statistical purposes only in
compliance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002
(PL 107-347).
• For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
A current Institutional Review Board (IRB) summary package is included for your review. By helping
us access the selected [ROOMS/HOUSEHOLDS] at [COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NAME], you will
make a direct contribution to this important research effort. [FIRST & LAST NAMES], our supervisor
in your area, will contact you soon to address any questions, or you may call [HIM/HER] toll free at
[TOLL FREE NUMBER].
Your assistance is extremely important, and I thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
10

Controlled Access Letters
[DATE]
[NAME], [TITLE]
[GQU NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME]:

Recently one of our field interviewers, [FIRST & LAST NAME], attempted to contact specific
[RESIDENCES/UNITS] within your [TYPE OF GQU] that were randomly selected to participate in a
national study conducted by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service. So far,
[MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] has been unable to [GAIN ACCESS/GAIN FULL ACCESS] to [GQU
NAME OR ADDRESS], and we are asking for your help.
We understand your responsibility to protect your residents and want to provide you with additional
information about the study:
•

We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.

•

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides valuable national and statelevel information about important health-related issues including experiences with and opinions
about the use or non-use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. For this reason, it is just as important
that we talk to people who have not used drugs as it is that we talk to people who have.

•

A limited number of addresses were randomly chosen to take part. We do not have any
information about the residents other than an address.

•

The RTI interviewer only needs a few minutes of the residents’ time to see if someone in the
[HOUSEHOLD/UNIT] will be asked to participate in an interview. If selected, those completing
the interview receive a cash incentive.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential.

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

By helping our interviewer access the selected [RESIDENCES/UNITS] in [NAME OF GQU], you will
make a direct contribution to this important research effort. [FIRST & LAST NAMES], our supervisor
in your area, will contact you soon to address any questions, or you may call [HIM/HER] toll free at
[TOLL FREE NUMBER].
Your assistance is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your
help.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
11

Controlled Access Letters
[DATE]
[FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]
[POSITION], [LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [TITLE/MR./MS.] [LAST NAME]:
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) will be in your area conducting a research study for the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) during the months of [FILL IN MONTHS OF
QUARTER].
We understand your responsibility to protect the residents of [CITY/COUNTY NAME]. Since the public
may ask your department about the legitimacy of this national study, we seek your cooperation in providing
information about the study to staff members who may receive such inquiries.
•

We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.

•

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 1 is the primary source of national and
state-level data concerning alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Information from this study is used by
government agencies, policy makers, and researchers to monitor substance abuse trends, design
and support prevention, treatment, and education programs.

•

A limited number of household addresses are randomly selected to represent the population of
the U.S. Once a household has been chosen, it cannot be replaced.

•

An RTI interviewer will only visit the selected households and needs a few minutes of the
residents’ time to see if someone in the household will be asked to participate in an interview.
If selected, those completing the interview will receive a cash incentive.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential as required by federal law. 2

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

Thank you in advance for sharing this information with all pertinent staff in your department. Your
efforts are important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your help. If you have
any questions, please contact our supervisor for your area, [FIRST & LAST NAME] toll free at [TOLL
FREE NUMBER].
Sincerely,
Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
1
The NSDUH is authorized by Section 505 of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 290aa4) and is sponsored by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OMB No. 0930-0110).
2
The Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency section of the E-Government Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-347) ensures
that any information residents provide will only be used for statistical purposes and cannot be used for any other purpose. Any unlawful use of
these data may result in a jail term of up to 5 years, a fine of $250,000, or both.

12

Controlled Access Letters

List of Enclosures
2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

A. Lead Letter
Prior to the interviewer’s arrival at a household, a “lead letter” will be mailed to the selected address briefly
explaining the survey and requesting the residents’ assistance. The interviewer will visit the household a few days later, refer
the resident to this letter, and answer questions if necessary. If the resident has no knowledge of the lead letter, the
interviewer will provide another copy. All NSDUH interviewers prominently display their ID badge, which is referenced on
this letter.

B. Authorization Letter
Each NSDUH field interviewer will carry a personal identification letter which is provided by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency within DHHS that sponsors the study. This letter serves
as documentation that SAMHSA formally authorizes the interviewer to work on the NSDUH for RTI.

C. Study Description
When an in-person contact is made with an adult member of a selected household and an introductory exchange is
completed, the interviewer will follow consent procedures that include presenting a “Study Description” and answering any
questions the respondent might have. Upon respondent permission, the interviewer will proceed to create a list of all
members of the household using a hand-held computer called an iPAQ. This list includes information such as the member’s
age, gender, and race, but does not include names or any other personally identifying information. The iPAQ will process
this roster of the household members and apply a statistical algorithm to randomly select zero, one, or two persons age 12 and
older to be interviewed. The selected respondent(s) will be asked to complete an interview using a laptop computer.

D. Question and Answer Brochure
Entitled “Answering Your Important Questions,” the NSDUH Question and Answer Brochure provides a ready
reference to the study, including answers to commonly asked questions. This brochure is given to each adult interview
respondent or parent or guardian of youth respondents.

E. Highlights from the 2012 Study
Each year SAMHSA releases results of the study, and this document highlights some of the findings from the 2012
NSDUH.

13

Controlled Access Letters
[DATE]
[RANK] [FULL NAME], [TITLE]
[NAME OF BASE]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [RANK/MR./MS.] [LAST NAME]:
Please be advised that [MR./MS.] [FIRST & LAST NAMES], an authorized representative of Research
Triangle Institute (RTI), is collecting data for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
This important research study is sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of
Health and Human Services (OMB No. 0930-0110).
We understand and respect your responsibility to protect individuals living on [NAME OF BASE] and
want to provide you with additional information about the study:
•

We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.

•

The NSDUH provides valuable national and state-level information about important healthrelated issues including experiences with and opinions about the use or non-use of alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco. For this reason, it is just as important that we talk to people who have not
used drugs as it is that we talk to people who have.

•

The RTI interviewer only needs a few minutes of the residents’ time to see if any civilian
members of the household will be asked to participate in an interview (active-duty members of
the military are not eligible for this study). If selected, those completing the interview receive a
cash incentive at the end of the interview.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential and used for statistical purposes only
in compliance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of
2002 (PL 107-347).

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) summary package is included for your review. By helping us
access the selected households on [NAME OF BASE], you will make a direct contribution to this
important research effort. [FIRST & LAST NAMES], our supervisor in your area, will contact you soon
to address any questions, or you may call [HIM/HER] toll free at [TOLL FREE NUMBER].
Your assistance is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your
help.
Sincerely,
Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
Enclosures
14

Controlled Access Letters
[DATE]
[NAME], [TITLE]
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [MR./MS.] [NAME]:
One of our field interviewers, [FIRST & LAST NAMES], needs to contact specific residences within
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME] that were randomly selected to participate in a national study
conducted by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service.
We understand your responsibility to protect your residents and want to provide you with additional
information about the study:
•

We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.

•

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides valuable national and statelevel information about important health-related issues including experiences with and opinions
about the use or non-use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. For this reason, it is just as important
that we talk to people who have not used drugs as it is that we talk to people who have.

•

A limited number of household addresses were randomly chosen to take part. We do not have
any information about the residents other than an address.

•

The RTI interviewer only needs a few minutes of the residents’ time to see if someone in the
household will be asked to participate in an interview. If selected, those completing the interview
receive a cash incentive.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential.

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.

By helping our interviewer access the selected households in [NAME OF COMPLEX/COMMUNITY],
you will make a direct contribution to this important research effort. [FIRST & LAST NAMES], our
supervisor in your area, will contact you soon to address any questions, or you may call [HIM/HER] toll
free at [TOLL FREE NUMBER].
Your assistance is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your
help.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director, RTI
Enclosures
15

Controlled Access Letters

[DATE]
[NAME], [TITLE]
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [MR./MS.] [NAME]:
Recently one of our field interviewers, [FIRST & LAST NAMES], attempted to contact specific
residences within [COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME] that were randomly selected to participate in a
national study conducted by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the U.S. Public Health Service. So far,
[MR./MS.] [LAST NAME] has been unable to [GAIN ACCESS/GAIN FULL ACCESS] to [NAME OF
COMPLEX/COMMUNITY], and we are asking for your help.
We understand your responsibility to protect your residents and want to provide you with additional
information about the study:
• We are not selling anything. This is not a marketing survey.
•

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides valuable national and statelevel information about important health-related issues including experiences with and opinions
about the use or non-use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. For this reason, it is just as important
that we talk to people who have not used drugs as it is that we talk to people who have.

•

A limited number of household addresses were randomly chosen to take part. We do not have
any information about the residents other than an address.

•

The RTI interviewer only needs a few minutes of the residents’ time to see if someone in the
household will be asked to participate in an interview. If selected, those completing the interview
receive a cash incentive.

•

All information provided is kept completely confidential.

•

For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org

By helping our interviewer access the selected households in [NAME OF COMPLEX/COMMUNITY],
you will make a direct contribution to this important research effort. [FIRST & LAST NAMES], our
supervisor in your area, will contact you soon to address any questions, or you may call [HIM/HER] toll
free at [TOLL FREE NUMBER].
Your assistance is extremely important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your
help.
Sincerely,
Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director, RTI
Enclosures
16

Public Health Authorization Letter
[DATE]

[NAME], [TITLE]
[COMPLEX/COMMUNITY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [MR./MS.] [NAME]:
This letter is to confirm that Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is authorized to conduct data collection
for the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for the U.S. Public Health Service, a
part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The NSDUH began in 1971 and has maintained an outstanding level of participation, primarily through
a rigorous commitment to respondent confidentiality as well as an increased public awareness of the
effects of drug abuse. The data from this study provide information for tracking drug use in the general
population and for monitoring drug control policies.
I want to assure you that this agency and RTI are committed to full compliance with all policies
regarding security on your property. RTI's representative will work with you to develop a mutually
agreeable procedure for contacting selected units for voluntary participation in our study.
Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, you may call me at (240) 276-1265 (9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday).
Sincerely,

Joel Kennet, Ph.D.
National Study Director
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality

17

Meet Me Letter

[DATE]
Resident
[NAME OF COMPLEX/UNIVERSITY]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear Resident:
We need your help with an important national study conducted by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for
the U.S. Public Health Service.
A limited number of addresses—including yours—were randomly chosen to take part in this important
study. No other household or person can take your place.
Typically a professional RTI interviewer visits each selected residence in person. We respect the
policies of [NAME OF COMPLEX/UNIVERSITY] so we are asking you to speak with our interviewer,
who only needs a few minutes of your time to see if someone in your [HOUSEHOLD/ROOM] will be
chosen for an interview. Every person who is chosen and completes the full interview will receive $30
in cash at the end of the interview.
Please meet with our interviewer [FI FIRST/LAST NAME] in [MEETING PLACE]:
Please meet in [MEETING PLACE]:
•

[DAY OF WEEK], [MONTH] [DATE] [TIME]
OR

•

[DAY OF WEEK], [MONTH] [DATE] [TIME]

If you are unable to speak with [MR/MS] [LAST NAME], call [FS FIRST/LAST NAME], our
supervisor for your area, at [TOLL FREE NUMBER] (toll free) to request another meeting time.
Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Information gathered from this study is used by researchers and local, state and federal health agencies
in developing various medical and health-related policies and programs.
For more details about the study, please visit http://nsduhweb.rti.org.
Your visit with [MR/MS] [FI LAST NAME] or call to [MR/MS] [FS LAST NAME] is extremely
important to the success of this study, and I thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director
18

Thank You Letter
[DATE]

[NAME], [TITLE]
[NAME OF COMPLEX/COMMUNITY]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Dear [MR./MS.] [LAST NAME]:
On behalf of our client, the U.S. Public Health Service, a part of the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), I would like to express our most sincere appreciation for the assistance you recently
provided our [FI/FS] [CIRCUMSTANCES] at [NAME OF COMPLEX/COMMUNITY]. It was your
cooperation that made it possible for us to meet our response rate goals in this important national study.
Every completed interview helps ensure that the data collected for the 2014 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health (NSDUH) are statistically sound. The information generated from the 2014 NSDUH
will provide the nation’s policymakers with accurate data on a number of important health issues.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me during 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern Time),
Monday through Friday, at 1-800-848-4079. Once again, thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Ilona S. Johnson
National Field Director

19