Questions concerning crime and substance use have appeared throughout the years the NLSY79 has been administered.

Alcohol use

Some form of use of alcohol question is found in most rounds of the survey. In particular are questions concerning general alcohol consumption and use of alcohol during pregnancies.

Cigarette use

The NLSY79 questions concerning cigarette use cover age at first use, frequency, amount, and use before and during pregnancy.

Crime, delinquency & arrest records

The study includes questions on criminal and delinquent activities and up-to-date spells of incarceration.

Drug use

An extensive set of questions on substance use was included in the 1984 survey. A special Drug Use Supplement was administered during subsequent surveys. Additionally, during most years questions concerning drug use during pregnancy were asked.