NCJ Number
152585
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 62-73
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper compares local data on drug abuse with data on national incidence, reviews studies that explore the problem of underreporting, and discusses implications for research and treatment planning.
Abstract
The national data for 1988 and 1990 indicate a nationwide trend toward decreased drug use, along with increasing rates in the North Central region. However, a telephone survey in Akron, Ohio revealed lower use rates for all categories and drugs except for lifetime use of alcohol. These results indicate that national surveys of drug use do not accurately reflect local trends and that they may obscure drug use patterns in smaller geographic areas. Local officials may obtain a more accurate picture of their community's drug problem and treatment needs by conducting their own surveys. The informant method would be an ideal technique for local assessment. At the same time, personal and telephone interviews could be conducted to compare the accuracy of these survey methods. Another local study could compare self- reports of drug use with actual numbers of people being treated for drug abuse. Sampling techniques and the data collection devices will also influence the data. Tables and 15 references