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Addiction Statistics In 2020


alcohol detox - saying no to a drink

How many people suffer from addiction in the US?


Addiction, or Substance Use Disorder, is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive substance seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.


If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, you are not alone. Addiction is a problem worldwide, the number of people suffering from addiction in America is astounding.


Substance use disorders are seen in impairment caused by the recurrent use of alcohol or other drugs (or both), including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.


20.4 million of Americans aged 12 years or older currently suffer from substance use disorder.



  • 139.8 million Americans 12 and over drink alcohol.

  • 14.5 million or 10.3% of them have an alcohol use disorder.

  • 31.9 million use illegal drugs.

  • 8.3 million or 26% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder.

  • 48.2 million use marijuana.

  • 4.8 million or 10% of them have a marijuana use disorder.

  • 1.6 million people have an opioid disorder; this includes prescription pain relievers or “pain killers” and heroin.


In addition to the number of people suffering are the statistics surrounding addiction:


  • Only 10% of Americans dealing with addiction receive treatment.

  • 4% of American teenagers struggle with a form of substance use disorder. 

  • 14.8% of young adults struggle with at least one form of substance use disorder.

  • 1 in every 16 adults reported having a substance use disorder in 2017.

  • Meth is currently used by approximately 897,000 teenagers and adults in America. 

  • Approximately 5 million Americans regularly use cocaine.

  • Around 34 million Americans smoke cigarettes. 

  • Approximately 2,200 individuals in the US die each year due to alcohol poisoning.

  • The number of opioid overdoses in big cities has risen by 54% in 16 states.


Not everyone who drinks alcohol is an alcoholic, and not everyone who uses drugs is an addict. So how do you know when you need help? Oftentimes the simplest way to define addiction is when the four C’s of addiction are present: compulsion, craving, consequences and control.



Getting Help For Addiction


If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drugs, or is suffering from addiction, professional help may be the best option for recovery.


At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois. 


To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.



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