Drug use addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a condition characterized by the compulsive and harmful use of substances, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Individuals with drug addiction often find it challenging to control or stop their drug use, despite the negative consequences it may bring.

Key features of drug addiction include:

• Compulsive Drug Use: The person feels a strong and often uncontrollable urge to use the drug regularly.
• Loss of Control: Individuals may struggle to limit their drug intake, often taking larger amounts or using the substance for longer than intended.
• Continued Use despite Consequences: Despite experiencing negative consequences, such as health problems, strained relationships, or legal issues, the person continues to use the drug.
• Cravings: Intense cravings or desires for the drug are common, making it challenging for individuals to resist.
• Physical and Psychological Dependence: Dependence on the drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, prompting a cycle of continued use to avoid discomfort.

Drug addiction can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall functioning. It often requires comprehensive and tailored treatment approaches, involving behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and, in some cases, medications.

The substances associated with drug addiction can include legal prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and others. Understanding the complex nature of drug addiction is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, early interventions, and supportive treatment options to help individuals overcome the challenges associated with substance use disorders.

How many people experience drug use addiction?

• The issue of substance use has been a persistent challenge for years, and the most comprehensive data we currently have spans from 2017 to 2020, with reports extending through 2023. 
• In 2017, a notable 19.7 million adults in the United States were battling with a substance use disorder. 
• Within this substantial group, 8.5 million individuals were simultaneously contending with a comorbid mental health disorder, underscoring the interconnected nature of substance use and mental health challenges. 
• Information shows that 1 in 8 individuals were engaged in the concurrent use of both drugs and alcohol.
• Information from the WHO shows that drug use disorders affect 35 million individuals globally, underscoring the pervasive impact of this issue on a global scale. 

Drug use addiction statistics by age

• Drug use addiction is most common among teenagers and young adults. 
• About 50% of individuals aged 12 and older have tried illicit drugs at least once in their lives. 
• A study found that in 2020, around 37.3 million people in the United States who were 12 years old or older had used illegal drugs within the last 30 days. 

Drug use addiction statistics by gender

• Studies consistently show that men are more prone to experiencing drug addiction compared to women. This gender disparity in drug use patterns is not only a statistical observation but also an indication of underlying factors that contribute to varying susceptibility.

Drug use Statistics by causes 

1. Mental Health Issues: Approximately 50% of individuals with mental illnesses will also have a substance use disorder during their lifetime. About 22% of individuals with anxiety use substances to self-medicate.
2. Social and Environmental Factors: Around 55% of teenagers report that peer pressure was a significant factor in their first drug use. Adolescents with a family history of substance abuse are four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
3. Stress and Coping: Approximately 15% of adults turn to drugs to cope with stress, particularly in high-pressure jobs.
4. Trauma: Over 70% of adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment have a history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
5. Chronic Pain and Medical Conditions: An estimated 21-29% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. Nearly 14% of individuals who take prescription opioids for non-medical reasons have a higher risk of developing addiction.
6. Recreational and Experimentation: About 39% of college students report using drugs recreationally, with marijuana and alcohol being the most common.
7. Experimentation: Approximately 50% of people over 12 years have tried an illicit drug at least once in their lifetime.

Drug use Statistics by Country 

1. United States: The U.S. has one of the highest rates of illicit drug use globally. About 50% of people over 12 years have tried using drugs at least once. The U.S. leads in opioid consumption, with approximately 2.1 million Americans having an opioid use disorder. 
2. Canada: Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, and in 2023, around 27% of Canadians aged 16 and older reported using cannabis. Opioid use is a significant concern, with approximately 15.8 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 population in 2022. Cocaine and methamphetamine are the primary stimulants used, with a rising trend in methamphetamine use.
3. United Kingdom: The U.K. has the highest cocaine consumption in Europe, with 2.6% of adults aged 16-59 reporting use in 2022.  A growing concern, with an estimated 7-8% of the adult population misusing prescription drugs.
4. Australia: Australia has one of the highest methamphetamine use rates, with 1.3% of Australians aged 14 and older reporting use in the past year. Around 3% of adults aged 14 and older used ecstasy in 2022.
5. South Africa: Methamphetamine is particularly prevalent in the Western Cape, with over 35% of drug-related admissions involving methamphetamine. Increasing heroin use, especially in urban areas, contributing to rising public health concerns.

Sources

1. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2019, June 26). World drug report 2019: 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders while only 1 in 7 people receive treatment. UNODC. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2019/June/world-drug-report-2019_-35-million-people-worldwide-suffer-from-drug-use-disorders-while-only-1-in-7-people-receive-treatment.html

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