How We Know

Before we act, we gather information and listen to our community.

SAFE’s first priority is understanding the issues around substance abuse in our community before identifying and implementing research-based best practices to address those issues. How do we know what needs to be addressed? SAFE’s initiatives are developed in response to issues identified through youth survey data, statistical data, and community input.

2020 Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide

Listed below are links to state and national alcohol and drug statistics:

Crime in Virginia
The Virginia State Police provides statewide and local statistics relating to alcohol and other drug violations as part of its annual Crime in Virginia report.

Monitoring the Future
The Monitoring the Future survey is the nation’s longest running survey of middle and high school student tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, administered since 1975.

National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse is an annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This survey has been the primary source of estimates of the prevalence and incidence of illicit drug, alcohol, and tobacco use in the population ages 12 years and older since 1971.

Further Information:

High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth

Although most youth are in good health, some youth are at an increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use. The majority of adults who meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder started using substances during their teen and young adult years. Youth with substance use disorders also experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction.