Substance use involves taking drugs like cocaineStimulant with high addiction and heart risk., fentanylSynthetic opioid ~50x stronger than heroin; fatal in tiny doses., or methamphetamineAddictive stimulant causing severe health issues. that can harm your body and life. When someone can’t stop, it’s called addiction—or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). As an addiction medicine specialist, I’ve seen its toll. Below, we’ll explore 2025 estimates in tables, covering more continents and countries to reveal who’s affected, where, and which drugs dominate
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a brain condition where individuals continue using drugs despite serious consequences, such as health problems or job loss. In 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported 292 million drug users worldwide, with 64 million diagnosed with SUD.
How This Data Is Derived: These numbers stem from UNODC’s World Drug Report (2024), which compiles surveys, seizure data, and treatment records from 2022—the most recent global dataset. U.S. figures come from SAMHSA’s 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), released July 2024, based on interviews with over 70,000 people. Regional data (e.g., Europe, Africa) combine UNODC with local reports like EMCDDA (2024). Where 2023 data is incomplete, we rely on 2022 as the baseline and note limitations.
Drugs claim thousands of lives annually. In the U.S., overdoseLife-threatening condition from excessive substance use. deaths reached 107,941 in 2022 (CDC, 2024) and approximately 105,000 in 2023 (provisional). These tables highlight trends and hotspots, informing doctors, families, and policymakers. Let’s explore the data across continents and countries, focusing on drugs like cocaine and fentanyl.
Drug use varies globally. Here’s the latest breakdown:
Addiction isn’t the same everywhere. Here’s who’s affected most.
Table 2: Top Addiction Regions
Region | Total Addicted (Millions) | Most Common Addiction | Source |
Asia | 1,500 | Nicotine (480M) | WHO, 2024 |
North America | 250 | Nicotine (70M) | CDC, 2024 |
Europe | 200 | Food (52.5M) | WHO, 2023 |
Addiction hits some groups harder. Here’s the breakdown.
Table 3: Addiction by Age and Gender
Group | Total Addicted (Millions) | Top Addiction | Source |
Kids (12-17) | 200 | Social Media (100M) | Common Sense, 2023 |
Young Adults (18-34) | 500 | THC (12M) | Statista, 2024 |
Adults (35+) | 1,000 | Nicotine (480M) | WHO, 2024 |
Men | 1,200 | Nicotine (720M) | WHO, 2023 |
Women | 900 | Food (280M) | WHO, 2023 |
Kids with addictions—like THC or gaming—struggle at school. A study says 48% of D/F students use marijuana vs. 10% of A students (MTF, 2024). They skip class, feel sad, or can’t focus.
Savera in Morgan Hill, CA, helps people beat addiction. Dr. Meenu Vaid, MD, our expert, says, “Our therapy and support stop addiction and save lives” (Savera, 2025). Whether it’s nicotine, food, or social media, we’ve got you covered.
Click below to dive into stats for each addiction—find out who’s affected and how Savera Wellness can help.
Alcohol addiction can present itself through various symptoms, including:
Strong cravings and an inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences
Developing tolerance (needing more alcohol for the same effect)
Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and nausea when not drinking
Recognizing these early signs can help in seeking timely intervention.
The most effective treatment involves a combination of:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to change drinking behaviors
FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for peer support
Medically supervised detox programs for managing withdrawal symptom
Alcohol addiction can be caused by multiple factors, including:
Genetic predisposition – A family history of alcohol dependency increases risk
Psychological stressors – Anxiety, depression, and trauma can lead to self-medicating with alcohol
Social influences – Environments where drinking is encouraged or easily accessible Understanding these risk factors can aid in alcohol abuse prevention.
Yes, FDA-approved medications can help reduce alcohol cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. These include:
Medications that block the pleasurable effects of alcohol
Drugs that reduce withdrawal discomfort These treatments are most effective when combined with therapy and behavioral support.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, seeking professional counseling and medical support is crucial. Dr. Vaid provides:
One-on-one counseling for personalized treatment plans
Recommendations for therapy groups to support long-term recovery Seeking help early can prevent serious health complications and improve quality of life.
Untreated alcohol addiction can lead to:
Liver disease, heart complications, and neurological damage
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
Increased risk of accidents, legal issues, and damaged relationships Seeking treatment early can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition, meaning there is no permanent “cure.” However, it can be effectively managed with therapy, medical treatment, and lifestyle changes. Many individuals achieve long-term sobriety through structured recovery programs.
Recovery varies for each person:
Detoxification may take a few days
Behavioral therapy and support programs can last several months to years
Long-term recovery depends on personal commitment and ongoing support
For heavy drinkers, quitting alcohol suddenly can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:
Severe anxiety, tremors, and nausea
Hallucinations or seizures in extreme cases A medically supervised detox program is the safest way to stop drinking and manage withdrawal.
Family and friends play a crucial role in supporting a loved one’s recovery by:
Encouraging professional treatment
Providing emotional support
Helping create a stable, alcohol-free environment Seeking family counseling can also help loved ones navigate the challenges of addiction recovery together.
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