The report relies on data that already exist through established surveys or standard reporting systems. It is intended to be used by the public for a general assessment of the problem, not as a technical measurement or evaluation device. The reader is provided with a sense of the severity and breadth of the local drug problem, along with important trends, such as major increases or decreases in illegal drug use or alcohol abuse. Data are provided on the following indicators of drug abuse: drug- affected babies, tobacco sales to minors, illegal drug use, alcohol abuse and dependence, people treated for alcohol and drug abuse problems, employers of youth with written drug-free workplace policies, juvenile arrests for drug offenses, adult arrests for drug offenses, arrestees testing positive for drugs, drug-related and alcohol-related trauma center admissions, alcohol-involved traffic deaths, deaths from alcohol-related diseases, and drug-related deaths. The findings show that in Oregon, 1996's juvenile and adult arrests for drug offenses, drug-related trauma center admissions, and drug-related deaths reached record levels. In addition, heroin and methamphetamine use is on the increase. Still, there are some successes. The number of drug-affected babies, alcohol-related traumas, alcohol- involved traffic deaths, and deaths from alcohol-related diseases continue to decline or remain stable. Extensive figures and 13 references