How common is addiction?

How common is addiction?

Addiction is unfortunately very common. Around 20 million people in the United States suffer from a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder often refers to substances that unnaturally increase dopamine levels in the reward pathway. These substances include prescription painkillers, illicit substances, nicotine or alcohol (alcoholism). Substance addictions are the most well-known form of addictions but people can also suffer from behavioral addictions which include the following:

• Exercising or dieting.
• Eating.
• Gambling.
• Shoplifting or other risky behaviors.
• Having sex or viewing pornography.
• Shopping.
• Video gaming and the internet.