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Official surveilling of American drug usage spans for over four decades; both Trump and RFK Jr. terminated these agencies.

Researchers nationwide rely on the work of a now-disbanded team of 17 statisticians and scientists from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, whose roles have been terminated. This team's data collection contributed significantly towards understanding behavioral health.

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Researchers nationwide face a disruption as the 17-strong team of statisticians and scientists from...
Researchers nationwide face a disruption as the 17-strong team of statisticians and scientists from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health lose their positions. Their data on behavioral health is widely utilized by scientists across the U.S.

Official surveilling of American drug usage spans for over four decades; both Trump and RFK Jr. terminated these agencies.

Uncertain Future for National Mental Health and Substance Use Survey

A decades-long federal study on mental health issues and substance use across the United States, used by numerous researchers, faces an uncertain future following President Trump's cuts to the federal workforce.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an annual household survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is renowned as the largest survey of its kind in the country. Jennifer Hoenig, a former team leader of scientists responsible for this survey, explains, "We survey around 70,000 people, aged 12 and older each year."

On April 1, Hoenig and her team of 16 mostly statisticians were let go due to the layoffs initiated by Elon Musk's DOGE-fueled government reduction effort. The Department of Health and Human Services dismissed 10,000 staff, while another 10,000 employees opted for buyouts and early retirement packages.

Despite this upheaval, Emily Hilliard, press secretary at HHS, stated in an NPR interview that the agency is working with a contractor to continue the 2025 survey, and the 2024 annual report is set to be released later this summer. Accordingly, the agency has published two reports based on the 2023 survey, one on the use of marijuana by people aged 12 years and over and another on the treatments received by adults with serious mental illness.

Previously, Hoenig and her colleagues would analyze the survey data annually and publish detailed reports on the prevalence of mental health problems and substance use. This information has been instrumental in understanding the prevalence of substance use disorders, mental health outcomes, treatment, and recovery.

For instance, a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, led by Sean Esteban McCabe of the University of Michigan, used NSDUH data to estimate that approximately one in four children in the U.S. have a parent with a substance use disorder. This data is indispensable for researchers like McCabe, legislators, and healthcare providers in addressing addiction and promoting recovery.

Similarly, Katherine Keyes, an epidemiologist at Columbia University, and Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, have both relied on NSDUH data for years. They emphasize that the survey provides essential insights into the prevalence of mental health problems and assists healthcare providers in understanding trends among teenagers, such as the high prevalence of opioid addiction among this age group.

Moreover, the survey has historically offered a long-range view of trends in substance use among young people, reflecting the success of past efforts to address these issues. For example, tobacco and alcohol use among young people have reached extraordinarily low levels, previously credited to the survey's data. However, effort is still required to address ongoing issues, warn researchers, who stress the dire consequences if trends reverse without immediate awareness.

The survey's future remains uncertain, despite Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s planned Administration for a Healthy America, which is expected to handle mental health and substance use issues. However, the ongoing employment of scientists to oversee the survey's reliability, validity, and question formulation is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of the survey's data, emphasize experts like Hoenig and Hadland. Without this continued effort, they fear that valuable data will not be disseminated to the public, leading to preventable deaths due to overdose and suicide.

[1] National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from <https://store.samhsa.gov/product/National-Survey-on-Drug-Use-and-Health-Summary-of-Findings-Report-DASIS-Series-D-21-3040

[3] National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2022). Use of Marijuana by People Aged 12 or Older. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports-reports/2023/SR108-Marijuana-Use-Adjusted-Results-2023.pdf

[5] National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2023). Treatments Received by Adults with Serious Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports-reports/2023/SR109-Treatments-Received-by-Adults-with-Serious-Mental-Illness-2023.pdf

  1. The government's decision to cut the federal workforce has cast an uncertain future on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
  2. The NSDUH, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is the largest survey of its kind in the country.
  3. Each year, the survey collects data from around 70,000 people aged 12 and older.
  4. On April 1, the team responsible for this survey, led by Jennifer Hoenig, was let go due to layoffs.
  5. The Department of Health and Human Services dismissed 10,000 staff and another 10,000 employees opted for buyouts and early retirement packages.
  6. Despite the upheaval, the agency is working with a contractor to continue the 2025 survey and the 2024 annual report is set to be released later this summer.
  7. The agency has published two reports based on the 2023 survey, one on marijuana usage and another on treatments received by adults with serious mental illness.
  8. Previously, Hoenig and her team would analyze the survey data annually, publishing detailed reports on the prevalence of mental health problems and substance use.9.This information has been vital for researchers like Sean Esteban McCabe, legislators, and healthcare providers in addressing addiction and promoting recovery.
  9. McCabe used NSDUH data to estimate that approximately one in four children in the U.S. have a parent with a substance use disorder.
  10. Katherine Keyes and Dr. Scott Hadland have also relied on NSDUH data for years, emphasizing its importance in understanding trends of mental health problems among teenagers.
  11. The survey has historically offered a long-term view of trends in substance use among young people, credited to its data for low levels of tobacco and alcohol use among young people.
  12. However, ongoing issues require attention, warn researchers, stressing the dire consequences if trends reverse without immediate awareness.
  13. The survey's future remains uncertain, despite plans for a new Administration for a Healthy America.
  14. Experts like Hoenig and Hadland state that the employment of scientists to oversee the survey's reliability, validity, and question formulation is crucial.
  15. Without this continued effort, they fear that valuable data will not be disseminated to the public, leading to preventable deaths due to overdose and suicide.
  16. Healthcare providers need accurate and accessible data to provide effective treatments and therapies for patients dealing with chronic diseases and medical conditions.
  17. Science plays a vital role in workplace-wellness programs, promoting fitness and exercise, mental health, and nutrition to increase productivity.
  18. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, are a major concern for medical professionals and patients alike.
  19. Therapies and treatments, such as CBD oil, are being explored for potential benefits in managing neurological disorders and mental health conditions.
  20. In personal finance, saving, debt management, and budgeting are essential skills for a stable future, reducing concerns caused by economic uncertainty.
  21. Education and self-development is crucial in personal growth, career development, and job search, equipping individuals with the skills needed for success.
  22. In sports, football, soccer, basketball, and baseball, athletes face various health conditions, from skin conditions to eye health issues, requiring proper care and attention.
  23. WNBA, NHL, MLB, NHL, golf, sports betting, racing, American football, NBA, horse racing, tennis, and mixed martial arts are all heavily dependent on weather forecasting and sports analysis for successful performance.
  24. In the realm of finance, managing wealth and avoiding debt is crucial for maintaining a healthy financial life, allowing individuals to invest in their health and personal development.
  25. Skills training in areas such as sports, finance, mental health, and career development are key to achieving personal growth and success in modern society.

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