Restricted-Use Data From SAMHSA Available for Online Analysis

Restricted-Use Data From SAMHSA Available for Online Analysis

Restricted-Use NSDUH Data Available for Online Analysis Using the Restricted-Use Data Analysis System (R-DAS)

SAMHSA announces the launch of the Restricted-Use Data Analysis System (R-DAS). The R-DAS is an online analysis system available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive. The R-DAS allows researchers to produce frequencies and cross-tabulations using restricted-use data files. Disclosure limitation methods are embedded in the R-DAS output to control the risk of disclosing confidential information.

The R-DAS increases access to restricted-use data; the first file released is the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): 8-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2009). This data file only allows for creation of estimates based on a combined 8 years of data—from 2002 to 2009. Note: There is no year indicator variable in the 8-year file; thus, estimates for different time periods are not feasible using the NSDUH R-DAS data file.

Variables available in the restricted-use NSDUH data file include:

• State codes to allow for state-level analyses
• Detailed race/ethnicity
• Country of birth
• Initiation of substance use (age of first use).

In the coming months, SAMHSA is planning to release two additional restricted-use NSDUH data files through the R-DAS. The first restricted-use NSDUH file released will allow researchers to produce 4-year estimates (2002–2005, 2006–2009). The other restricted-use NSDUH file released will allow 2-year estimates (2002–2003, 2004–2005, 2006–2007, 2008–2009). Both of these R-DAS data files will include the variables listed above.

For more information on the structure of the restricted-use NSDUH R-DAS data files, see the 2002 to 2009 codebook documentation. The restricted-use NSDUH variable crosswalk [XLSX - 240 KB] provides information on the variables available in each data file.

Access the R-DAS | View the NSDUH: 8-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2009)

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SAMHDA is sponsored by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (formerly the Office of Applied Studies), SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is located at the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.