People Unaffected by Addiction

It is estimated that 1 out of every 10 people has a chemical dependency.  This is an addiction to a chemical. This doesn't count people who have eating disorders or have an addition to gambling or internet video games.  So, 1 out of 10 people have an addiction to substances.  The number used to be predominantly male but females are closing the gap thanks to prescription pain killers.

Of course, in some socioeconomic groups that number is even higher.  These groups include the indigenous people, new immigrants, people experiencing poverty, people struggling with mental illness; people vulnerable due to heredity, people experiencing multiple stressors, people struggling with losses, etc.  In other words, everyone in the world.

Regardless, one of ten does not seem like a huge number.  However, when you think of that person suffering with addiction, that one person usually has parents, siblings, spouses, partners, children, employers, neighbours, best friends, etc.  Usually, that one person living with addiction significantly impacts 4 other lives.  So, that would be 5 out of 10 people whose lives are significantly impacted by addiction.  5/10 can be reduced as a fraction to 1/2.

This means that 1/2 people are significantly affected by addiction.  If you think your neighbourhood is free from addiction, well, that just isn't possible.