Scope Rates on this page use substantiated CPS investigations (Categories I – III). n = 289,280 · 23% of records with a recorded outcome. All-cases values shown as comparisons where relevant.

Substance involvement first — the broad indicator that something substance-related appears in the case. After that, a five-type breakdown.

Reading the rate

A 12% mention rate means 12 out of every 100 case narratives mentioned the indicator. It does not mean 12 out of 100 caregivers meet clinical use-disorder criteria, and it is not a population-wide rate of disorder. Use these rates to compare counties and watch trends — not as a substitute for a clinical or program-eligibility assessment.

All six indicators use the same denominator — total Michigan child-welfare cases in the year and county shown. Each card includes a Michigan map (where), a year-by-year trend (when), and the top ten counties for that indicator.

Any substance involvement

The broadest indicator — substance involvement of any kind anywhere in the narrative. Start here, then drill into the class-level views below.

Any substance involvement

Substantiated only

Narratives that record substance involvement of any kind — the broadest indicator that something substance-related appears in the case.

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Compare the five substance types

Statewide mention rate for each substance type, 2010–2025. Toggle types on and off to compare directly.

Substance types · year by year

Substantiated only

All series share the same y-axis (mention rate) and reflect substantiated CPS cases (Cats I–III). Open diamonds mark the partial 2025 year and should not be read as trend.

Toggle which substance types appear on the overlay chart
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Substance type breakdown

Each substance type shown with its own Michigan map, year-by-year trend, and top counties. Sorted by statewide mention rate.

Cannabis

Substantiated only

Narratives that mention cannabis (marijuana) use.

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Alcohol

Substantiated only

Narratives that mention alcohol use by the caregiver, a household member, or the child.

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Opioids

Substantiated only

Narratives that mention any opioid — prescription or illicit, by the caregiver, a household member, or the child.

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Stimulants

Substantiated only

Narratives that mention stimulants — methamphetamine, cocaine, or prescription stimulants.

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics

Substantiated only

Narratives that mention sedatives, sleep aids, or anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines, sleep aids, similar).

Where in Michigan · tap a county to compare
Year by year
Top counties · stable years only (n ≥ 1,000)
DRAFT Brian E. Perron, PhD · The Data Lab at the University of Michigan School of Social Work