Drug Control and Use Surveys: Methodology and Implementation Strategies -- A Special Technical Assistance Report of the Consortium for Drug Strategy Impact Assessment

• NCJ Number: 160885
• Author(s): K J Dressler; J J Knowles
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 40 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Sale Source: Justice Research and Statistics Association
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on six statewide surveys of the drug problem, conducted in 1987 and 1988, this technical assistance report presents guidelines for conducting citizen surveys.

Abstract

The six surveys were conducted as part of a multistate drug control strategy assessment effort in Arizona, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and the District of Columbia. Surveys covered such topics as the nature and extent of drug abuse, perceptions of the seriousness of the drug problem, attitudes about effective responses to the drug problem, and willingness to support various drug control policy options. The purpose of surveys was to develop statewide indicators on various drug policy issues. Lessons were learned about how to coordinate State survey projects and which approaches produced the most useful data. Recommendations on how to conduct citizen surveys are offered that encompass sampling designs and techniques, survey question wording, and future analysis. Appendixes contain survey questions on drug use and drug control strategies, examples of State surveys of drug use and abuse, and a list of key individuals involved in the six State surveys.