An age of accountability is upon us. Fast-paced developments in computer technology and information exchange systems contribute to the expectation that policies will be data-driven, and funders of drug abuse prevention, treatment and criminal justice programs now require evidence of effectiveness. Increasingly states are finding innovative approaches to alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems. However, with growing demands to address the outcome of anti-drug efforts, states need comprehensive "profiles" that evaluate drug abuse initiatives.

In recent years, private groups in the drug abuse field have produced fundamental tools for studying data indicators at the state and local level, including seminal guides by the Brandeis University Institute for Health Policy and Join Together.(1) State-by-state reports from other groups contain some key data indicators needed for state profiles. Examples include work by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Children's Defense Fund, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.(2)

These documents have simplified efforts to study alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse indicators at the local level, capturing the complexity of the problems by incorporating data from a wide range of disciplines. States are often eager to produce interdisciplinary studies of local efforts and progress related to drug abuse. Such profiles challenge the assumptions of separate domains in favor of more inclusive interpretations. Yet many states lack a comprehensive methodology for profiling drug abuse policies and programs, and forming recommendations for improved strategies.

Lessons from the Field: Profiling State Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems is Drug Strategies' response. Between 1995 and 1998, supported by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Drug Strategies published profiles of alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Ohio and South Carolina. The chief objective was to give policymakers an independent assessment of the nature and extent of alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems, and the effectiveness of state responses, pointing out relevant trends in drug use, crime, cost to society, health policy and health status. The profiles broke new ground in agency collaboration, produced important policy recommendations and received significant media attention. The success of the first five profiles prompted three additional states--Indiana and Kansas (1999) and North Carolina (forthcoming)--to pursue similar projects funded by local foundations and public agencies. The profiles are referenced frequently by policymakers and program officials across the country.

Lessons from the Field is a step-by-step guide to profiling statewide alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems and policies. We hope it will assist in producing state profiles that will clarify local trends and guide policy reforms.

This project was made possible by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In preparing this report, Drug Strategies consulted numerous experts in the drug abuse field. A distinguished group of drug abuse and health policy experts also reviewed a draft of the document. While we are grateful for the insight and wisdom of those who contributed to our work, Drug Strategies is solely responsible for the content of this report.

Data Collections on Key indicators for Policy: Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Tobacco. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Institute for Health Policy, 1995.

How Do We Know We Are Making A Difference? A Community Substance Abuse Indicators Handbook. Boston, MA: Join Together and the Brandeis University Institute for Health Policy, 1995.

2. Kids Count Data Book 1999: State Profiles of Child Well-Being. Baltimore, MD: Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1999.

Rating the States 1996: A Report Card on the Nation?s Attention to the Problem of Alcohol- and Other Drug-Impaired Driving. Irving, TX: Mothers Against Drunk Driving with Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and Nationwide Insurance, 1996.

State Resources and Services Related to Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997: An Analysis of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Profile (SADAP) Data. Washington, DC: National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors,1999.

The State of America's Children Yearbook 1999. Washington, DC: Children's Defense Fund, 1999.