This report investigates the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of drug and alcohol use among the civilian, non-institutionalized population of the United States. The survey is conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide a comprehensive statistical baseline for public health policy. It utilizes rigorous sampling methodologies to track trends in substance use across various demographic groups, providing the empirical data necessary for evaluating national health initiatives.

Experts and public health officials regard this survey as the gold standard for monitoring national substance use trends. Readers frequently note the high density of statistical tables and the technical nature of the methodology sections.