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 (SAMHDA) that 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 with the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): 8-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2009) data being the first file released. more...

The NSDUH: 8-year R-DAS (2002 to 2009) data file only allows for creation of estimates based on a combined 8 years of data, i.e., from 2002 to 2009. There is no year indicator variable in the eight-year file and thus estimates for different time periods are not feasible using this 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; and
• Initiation of substance use (age of first use).

In the upcoming 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 four-year estimates (2002-2005, 2006-2009). The other restricted-use NSDUH file released will allow two-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 provides information on the variables available in each data file.

Access the R-DAS
View the NSDUH: 8-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2009) study home page