Most locales collect a wide range of data on drug use but do not devote substantial resources to drug use assessment activities. The development of informal estimates such as "trend lines" was the most likely approach to analyzing the data collected. A small number of jurisdictions use relatively sophisticated methodologies to assess the extent of their drug problem. In general, jurisdictions have little confidence in their assessments which are not key contributors to drug program policy. States, cities, and counties all indicate that a manual in addition to a training course provide the most potential for improving drug use assessments. 14 figures