Frequently Asked Questions

What is this study about?

Participation in the study involves answering questions about your attitudes, opinions and experiences with health-related issues such as injuries, violence or crimes like vandalism, and some background questions such as your age and marital status. We also are interested in your experiences with other people’s drinking, smoking, and use of drugs, even if you do not drink alcohol or use tobacco or drugs.

Who’s sponsoring and conducting this study?

This study is being conducted by the Public Health Institute, or PHI, which is a socially conscious nonprofit organization specializing in health research and policy action.

PHI is dedicated to promoting health, well-being and quality of life for people in communities across the country and around the world. Their headquarters are in Oakland, California, just outside San Francisco. For more information, visit their website.

How will the data be used?

We are collecting data for scientific purposes only. This survey is used to update statistics about alcohol- and drug-related behaviors in communities across the country. The results are used to guide local health policy and other programs to reduce problems caused by alcohol and drug use. Responses will be grouped so that no person’s identity or information can be identified.

I’ve already completed this survey. 

We conducted this survey in 2023, and we have contacted you to participate in the survey a second time. There are a few new questions this year, but most of the questions are the same or similar to the questions you answered in 2023.

Where can I get more information?

Go to the contact us page where you’ll find ways to get in touch with the study directors, technical assistance, and to learn more about confidentiality and protection of human subjects.

I don’t know anything about the topic of your survey.

The survey is about your health experiences. We need to talk to people who don’t know much about their health and people who know a lot about it. We also need to include people who don’t drink alcohol or use drugs to make sure our results represent everyone. Many people find surveys like this to be interesting.

Why should I participate?

This study will be used to help improve health and prevent alcohol- and drug-related problems. Participating is one way for you to be represented at the local, state and national level. The information is used for planning purposes to develop more effective programs to support physical and mental health.

The more people who participate, the more accurate the results will be. If you don’t participate, it leaves a “hole” in the data, and we may miss the opinions and experiences of people like you.

How confidential are my answers?

We take many steps to ensure all information you provide is kept confidential and private.
Your answers will be grouped with the answers from everyone else who participates, and your specific responses will not be identifiable and cannot be linked back to you.

Also, your information will not be shared with anyone outside of study personnel without your permission. All study personnel are trained on participant privacy and data protection procedures.

How long will it take?

The online questionnaire will take about 24 minutes to fill out, with most people finishing in 20-40 minutes. If needed, you can start the survey now and finish it at another time that is convenient for you.

What are my rights if I take part in this study?

You can choose whether or not you want to be in this study. If you volunteer to be in this study, you may exit the questionnaire at any time without any consequences to you.

If you decide to withdraw from the study after completing the web questionnaire, we will accommodate requests extending to any identifiable information that you previously provided that we can feasibly exclude from the study records.

What is a Certificate of Confidentiality?

The certificate of confidentiality provides protection against disclosure of information that may identify you. It allows researchers to legally refuse to reveal anyone’s identifying information.

Resources for study participants

1) Mental health and alcohol- and drug-related issues hotline
If you or someone you know would like to talk about mental health, an alcohol- or drug-related issue, or to find out about treatment programs in your area, you can call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).

2) Sexual violence hotline
If you or someone you know would like to talk to a trained counselor about sexual violence, please call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

3) Child abuse hotline
To speak to a trained counselor about child abuse, please call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

4) Domestic violence hotline
To speak to a trained counselor about domestic violence, please call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).

About the Study

Learn more about the study, the research team, and the Alcohol Research Group.

Contact Us

If you have a question about the study or our work, reach out to the project manager or researchers.

Get More Information

Learn more about ARG, including latest findings, scientists’ bios, and current studies.