How Many Americans Are Addicted to Drugs? - Transformations Treatment Center. Substance use problems are an ongoing concern throughout the United States. In the past, experts divided these problems into two separate categories: addiction and non-addiction abuse. However, today, substance issues get grouped together under a single heading known as substance use disorder[i]. When addressing the topic of how many Americans are addicted to drugs, it helps to look at the different types of substance use disorders. Addiction, Abuse and Substance Use Disorder All people affected by substance addiction have a chronic brain disease triggered by the excessive use of certain drugs or medications. AlcoholOpioid medicationsOpioid street drugsCocaineBenzodiazepine tranquilizersMethamphetamineMarijuana/cannabis Addiction is marked by some core symptoms.
The same substances responsible for triggering addiction can also play a role in the development of a non-addicted pattern of abuse. How Many People Are Affected? Need More Information? Age Distribution Treatment Is Available.