Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders are among the most serious global health concerns. They involve the harmful and compulsive use of substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. These conditions affect brain chemistry, behavior, and physical health, leading to impaired control, cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. Left untreated, they can cause severe social, medical, and psychological problems.
The most common forms worldwide include Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Symptoms
Alcohol Use Disorder is defined by problematic drinking that leads to distress and harm. Symptoms include:
Prevalence and Numbers Affected
AUD is the most widespread substance use disorder. Lifetime prevalence is estimated at 8.6% globally. With a population of 8.2 billion, this equals roughly 705 million people worldwide affected at some point in their lives.
Treatment and Medication
Symptoms
Cannabis Use Disorder occurs when marijuana use becomes problematic, leading to impairment or distress. Symptoms include:
Lifetime prevalence of CUD is about 3% to 4% of the global population. This translates to 246–328 million people worldwide. With cannabis use rising globally, especially among young adults, these numbers may continue to grow.
Treatment and Medication
Symptoms
Opioid Use Disorder is one of the most dangerous addictive disorders, often linked to prescription painkillers, heroin, or synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Key symptoms include:
Prevalence and Numbers Affected
Global estimates suggest about 1% to 1.2% of adults experience OUD. This equals 82–98 million people worldwide. Because opioid-related deaths have surged in many regions, the condition is considered a public health crisis.
Treatment and Medication
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders remain among the leading mental health challenges worldwide.
The most common forms worldwide include Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Symptoms
Alcohol Use Disorder is defined by problematic drinking that leads to distress and harm. Symptoms include:
- Strong cravings for alcohol.
- Inability to cut down despite repeated attempts.
- Spending excessive time drinking or recovering from its effects.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Continuing to drink despite health or relationship problems.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or nausea when not drinking.
Prevalence and Numbers Affected
AUD is the most widespread substance use disorder. Lifetime prevalence is estimated at 8.6% globally. With a population of 8.2 billion, this equals roughly 705 million people worldwide affected at some point in their lives.
Treatment and Medication
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing are commonly used.
- Medications: Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram help reduce cravings or prevent relapse.
- Support programs: Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous provide community support.
- Lifestyle changes: Stress reduction, physical activity, and family therapy strengthen recovery.
Symptoms
Cannabis Use Disorder occurs when marijuana use becomes problematic, leading to impairment or distress. Symptoms include:
- Using cannabis in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
- Persistent desire but unsuccessful attempts to cut down.
- Cravings and strong urges to use.
- Problems at work, school, or in relationships due to use.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep issues, or loss of appetite.
Lifetime prevalence of CUD is about 3% to 4% of the global population. This translates to 246–328 million people worldwide. With cannabis use rising globally, especially among young adults, these numbers may continue to grow.
Treatment and Medication
- Psychotherapy: CBT, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management are effective approaches.
- Medications: No FDA-approved medication exists yet, but research is exploring antidepressants and cannabinoid-based treatments.
- Behavioral support: Structured routines, family counseling, and relapse prevention strategies play a crucial role in recovery.
Symptoms
Opioid Use Disorder is one of the most dangerous addictive disorders, often linked to prescription painkillers, heroin, or synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Key symptoms include:
- Taking opioids in larger amounts or longer than prescribed.
- Intense cravings and preoccupation with obtaining opioids.
- Inability to meet social or work obligations.
- Risky behaviors such as sharing needles or unsafe sexual activity.
- Withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches, insomnia, diarrhea, and anxiety.
Prevalence and Numbers Affected
Global estimates suggest about 1% to 1.2% of adults experience OUD. This equals 82–98 million people worldwide. Because opioid-related deaths have surged in many regions, the condition is considered a public health crisis.
Treatment and Medication
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the gold standard for managing cravings and withdrawal.
- Psychotherapy: CBT, relapse prevention, and trauma-focused therapy are often combined with MAT.
- Harm reduction strategies: Needle exchange programs and supervised consumption sites reduce overdose risks.
- Support systems: Peer recovery groups and ongoing counseling improve long-term outcomes.
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders remain among the leading mental health challenges worldwide.
- Alcohol Use Disorder affects about 705 million people globally.
- Cannabis Use Disorder impacts 246–328 million people.
- Opioid Use Disorder affects an estimated 82–98 million people.
