The LADS Action Committee commissioned Ipsos Reid in early 2008 to conduct a qualitative and quantitative research project with residents and businesses of Lloydminster.

A telephone survey was conducted March 28 to April 11, 2008 with a random sample of 400 Lloydminster residents aged 14 years or older and 100 Lloydminster businesses, to determine their perceptions and attitudes towards substance abuse in Lloydminster.

More specifically, the research was designed to address the following objectives:

• Determine perceptions and attitudes towards substance abuse in Lloydminster, including
  citizens’ overall level of drug awareness;
  
  
• Assess how important this issue is to citizens and learn what could be done to elevate
  its perceived importance;
  
  
• Understand citizens’ past experiences with substance abuse in Lloydminster, including
  whether or not they have personally used drugs, reasons for using/not using drugs, and
  the impacts substance abuse (either their own or that of their friends and/or family
  members) have had on citizens;
  
  
• Determine perceptions of substance abuse support services and programs currently
  available in Lloydminster;
  
  
• Assess awareness and perceptions of LADSAC and specific LADSAC initiatives;
  
  
• Gauge the effectiveness of LADSAC’s efforts to-date;
  
  
• Understand citizens’ needs and expectations for LADSAC, including the areas where
  gaps in service may exist; and,
  
  
• Determine communication and information needs as they relate to LADSAC and
  substance abuse in Lloydminster, including key messages and preferred communication
  channels.

Based on the findings of this survey, the LADSAC has moved forward with targeted marketing and programming, in the hopes of meeting their core goals and decreasing substance abuse in Lloydminster and area.