NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON DRUG ABUSE: risk intro

1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse

Introduction

In 1996 and 1997, the NHSDA included questions on the respondents' perceptions of the risk of using various drugs, their perceptions of the ease of obtaining such drugs, and other topics related to obtaining and using drugs (i.e., reports of having been approached by someone offering to sell drugs and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This chapter presents data on each of these topics.

The relationship between substance use and perceptions of risk and perceptions of ease of obtaining substances also is examined. Previous studies of adolescent and adult populations repeatedly showed that perceptions of risk from using substances and perceptions of the ease of obtaining substances are highly correlated with substance use (Harrison & Pottieger, 1996; OAS, 1994). It should be noted, however, that these analyses are based on cross-sectional tests of association; therefore, causal linkages cannot be established and should not be inferred. For example, it cannot be determined whether perceptions of few risks from substance use caused respondents to use substances, or whether their use of substances influenced their reported perception of the risks of use.

This page was last updated on June 16, 2008.

SAMHSA, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's lead agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services in the United States.

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