Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Drug Study (DC*MADS) Series

DC*MADS was undertaken to assess the full extent of the drug problem in one metropolitan area. The study was comprised of 16 separate studies that focused on different sub-groups, many of which are typically not included or are underrepresented in household surveys. This data collection includes three of these component studies:

Study of Household and Non-household Populations examines the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among members of household and non-household populations aged 12 and older. Also examines the characteristics of three drug-abusing sub-groups: crack-cocaine, heroin, and needle users. The household sample was drawn from the 1991 NHSDA (see below); the non-household sample was drawn from the DC*MADS Institutionalized and Homeless and Transient Population Studies. Data include demographics, needle use, needle sharing, and use of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, crack, inhalants, marijuana, hallucinogens, heroin, sedatives, stimulants, and psychotherapeutics (non-medical use).

Homeless and Transient Population Study includes data on previous living arrangements, tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, consequences of use, treatment history, illegal behavior and arrest, physical and mental health, pregnancy, insurance, employment and finances, and demographics.

Drug Use Among Women Delivering Livebirths in D.C. Hospitals includes data on tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, patterns of use, respondent's general experiences with drug use, including perceptions of the risks and consequences of use, treatment experiences, pregnancy history, and maternal and infant characteristics and outcomes.

DC*MADS was sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.