Frequently Asked Questions

• The Texas College Survey of Substance Use provides state and local agencies with data to quantify local alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug, as well as provide guidance on the best means to address the problem. Questions assess where the students get most of their information on drug and alcohol use and where they say they would turn for help with a substance problem. These data help identify which sectors of the community can most effectively unite to combat student substance use.
• It produces factual data to replace speculative and sensational information.
• Administered over an extended period of time, the survey is an effective tool to evaluate the impact of special substance abuse prevention and education programs.
• The Texas College Survey of Substance Use is designed to be responsive to questions of specific interest to Texas’ educators, policymakers, parents, and community groups.

The Texas College Survey of Substance Use begins by asking for demographic and screening information such as classification, grade, enrollment hours, gender, age, ethnicity, race and so forth. The remaining questions address three basic issues.

Drug and Alcohol Use Patterns:

• What types of drugs and alcohol are students using?
• How much do they typically consume, and how often?
• How easy is it to get drugs and alcohol?
• Where do the students usually get alcoholic beverages?

Drug and Alcohol Related Behaviors:

• How often do students drive after using drugs or alcohol?
• How often are drugs and alcohol used at parties?
• How often do students report “skipping” or “cutting” class?

Substance Abuse Education and Support Networks:

• Where do the students get most of their information about drugs and alcohol?
• Who would students turn to if they needed help?
• How many students have sought help for a substance use problem?

A representative sample of students attending select colleges and universities will be invited to participate via email but the survey excludes students outside the age range of 18-26 or those enrolled in less than five credit-hours of college coursework.

The Texas College Survey of Substance Use is currently administered online only.

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.

There is no cost to participate for institutions or individuals.

There is no enrollment process. A representative sample of students from select colleges and universities are invited to participate.

If you have questions or need further information, please feel free to contact PPRI directly. You may submit inquiries to:

Kash Krinhop or Aaron Williams
Texas College Survey of Substance Use Coordinators

Public Policy Research Institute
4476 TAMU
College Station, TX, 77843-4476

Telephone: (979) 845-8800
Fax: (979) 845-0249
Email: texascollegesurvey@ppri.tamu.edu