Definitions and notes

The Substance Abuse Monitoring System consists of 23 indicators measuring conditions or behaviors that are precursors to and consequences of substance abuse in Minnesota. The system presents key indicators from various sources in a straightforward way that maximizes their utility.

Decisions about which indicators to include in the Substance Abuse Monitoring System were based on the following considerations: the results of the literature review on substance abuse indicators; the analysis of Minnesota Student Survey and other county-level data; the validity and reliability of each indicator; the frequency with which each indicator is updated and the ease with which it can be readily understood by nontechnical audiences; and the overall goals and objectives of the Substance Abuse Monitoring System -- simplicity and utility. While no single indicator is without limitation, collectively they present a county profile that would not otherwise exist.

The system data is collected from many sources and in different ways. Some is based on official statistics maintained by government agencies. All of the data on risk factors and direct prevalence of use among youth is from the Minnesota Student Survey. The estimates of direct prevalence of substance abuse problems for adults are generated by applying national rates to Minnesota population demographics.

The 23 Substance Abuse Monitoring System  indicators are placed into five groups that reflect the multifaceted nature of substance abuse-related issues: community environment, youth risk factors, direct prevalence, law enforcement and service utilization. Each indicator is defined, and a brief discussion on interpreting the indicators is offered where needed. 

Based in part on feedback obtained, some aspects of the 1996 Substance Abuse Monitoring System differ from those of the 1994 system. In the 1994 version, the dropout rate measured the number of 11th-graders who did not enroll in the 12th grade.  The second change is to the adult substance abuse rate. In the 1994 version, the rate was based on a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health.  Data for the rate in the 1996 was not available but eventually will be based on a statewide survey of 11,000 Minnesota adults by the Minnesota Department of Humans Services.

•  1994 Substance Abuse Monitoring System definitions 
•  1996 Substance Abuse Monitoring System definitions