Social Science Data Resources: Mental Health & Substance Abuse
This research guide identifies electronic datasets to support statistical research in the social sciences.
Key Resources
Remember to check the key resources:
- ICPSRAccess to thousands of social science datasets for research and instruction. A first place to start in looking for social science data for secondary analysis.
- U.S. Census Bureau"Serve(s) as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy." Includes the Decennial Census, the American Community Survey the Economic Census, and more.
- U. S. Government data and statistical resourcesFeatures an alphabetical list of data resources from government agencies. Includes all topics from health, education, economic, crime, child and family, immigration, genealogy, labor and many more.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)Established in 1984 to track behavioral health risk in the United States. Behavior and risk categories include: exercise, being overweight, use of seatbelts, tobacco and alcohol, etc.
- ICPSR Health and Medical Care Archive (HMCA)Topics covered include: health care providers, cost of and access to health sare, substance abuse, chronic conditions, and other health related topics.
- Monitoring the Future: 1976+An ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed. A number of questions on drug use are asked.
- National Survey on Drug Use and HealthDrug and alcohol use incidence and prevalence estimates and report the consequences and patterns of use and abuse in the general U.S. civilian population aged 12 and older. Also asks a set of questions about mental health treatment. Also at ICPSR.
- SAMHDA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive at ICPSRThe goal of this archive is to provide access to substance abuse and mental health research data and to promote the use of the data in understanding and assessing substance abuse and mental health problems and the impact of related treatment systems.