Choosing Our Poison: Addictions

80-90% Americans love their sodas and cup of joe.
40-70% would have withdrawal symptoms if they missed a day.

71.5 million Americans.
44.3% of the young adults in the U.S. (18-25) use tobacco, the highest rate of any age group.

18.7 million people are dependent on or abuse alcohol.
Of these, 2 million are AA members.

16 million Americans have compulsive sexual behavior, the least understood of addictions. An addict is dependent on the neurochemical changes that take place during sex and are consumed by sexual thoughts.
One-third are women.
60% were abused in childhood.

One in twenty Americans can't stop when they shop.
Both genders are affected equally.
Advertising on the 'happiness products can bring' are thought to fuel addictive buying.

4 million Americans
It is strongly linked to depression. 15% mildly obese people are compulsive eaters. Binge eating is the most common disorder.

3.6 million people.
There are 8,000 new users each day. More than half of these are female and under the age of 18.
700,000 are undergoing treatment for addiction.
Marijuana, cocaine and pain relievers are the leading drugs.

Two million Americans are addicted, wagering regardless of consequences.
An additional 4 to 8 million are considered "problem' gamblers.

Internet addiction is thought to be a "impulse-control" disorder (like gambling) that can disrupt social relationships. An Internet addict's goal is to attain moderation, unlike the 'abstinence' substance abusers strive for.