How many people in Illinois are addicted to drugs?

Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs known to man (even though it is legal). About 25% of the adult U.S. population is physiologically dependent on tobacco products. Also, this drug accounts for more disease (morbidity) and more deaths (mortality) than all other drugs combined.

Alcohol is the second most used addictive "drug" in the U.S. Alcohol, alone, accounts for almost 50% of all traffic deaths. Approximately 8% of the adult U.S. populations is alcohol dependent. Many more qualify for the diagnosis of intermittent alcohol abuse. Alcohol also is involved in 10% of all hospital admissions, either directly or indirectly.

Marijuana is the third most used substance, but its addictive properties are more psychological than physical. Although illegal, on the federal level, many states are allowing for medical use of marijuana. (Currently, the number of states stands at 14, with several more in pending status). Marijuana, in chronic usage can produce an amotivational syndrome, and also exacerbate lung problems.

Prescription opioid medications, most notably hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab and others), as well as oxycodone (Oxycontin, etc.) are rising rapidly, in terms of the numbers and percentage of U.S. adults who are addicted, and outpacing heroin, the traditional opiate of choice among opiate addicts. Estimates are in the range of 3-4% of the adult U.S. population who are physiologically dependent, either for pain management or due to substance abuse and dependence.

Prescription benzodiazepines are also becoming an increasing area of concern, as short-acting BZPs are highly addictive, when used for longer than two to three months. These medications include Xanax, Valium and Ativan, among others.

Furthermore, there are still population pockets where stimulants are highly abused - to the point of outright addiction. These drugs include cocaine (in both powder and crack form), methamphetamine, illegal diversion of the medications in the amphetamine class (Adderall) and methylphenidate class (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and others).

Halucinogens are used and abused, but addiction is rare in this group of drugs (LSD, mescaline, etc.).

Inhalants are experimented with by teens (glue, solvents, etc.) and do kill brain cells, but addiction, itself, is rare.

Barbiturate addiction is relatively rare, nowadays, as this class of drugs has fallen out of favor. Few physicians prescribe them, although headache specialists still use butalbital (Fiorinal). The olden day yellow jackets (Nembutal), reds (Seconal) and blue bombers or blue angels (Amytal) are not readily available in most markets.

Overall, about one third of the population has a drug addiction problem of one kind or another, whether legal or illegal.