The Prevalence of Substance and Unnatural Food Addictions in America

According to the World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, approximately 5.1% of the global population suffers from drug use disorders. In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that around 14.1 million adults aged 18 and older had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2019. These figures highlight the significant impact of substance use disorders but may underrepresent the true scope due to underreporting and varying diagnostic criteria.

Substance Abuse Statistics

Based on recent studies, 12% of the American population are alcohol addicts, 2.5% are non-prescription drug addicts, and 4.7% are prescription drug addicts. These statistics paint a troubling picture, but they do not tell the whole story. The legal push by pharmaceutical companies and the ease with which everyday people can access and abuse prescribed medications exacerbate the problem.

Towards a Holistic View of Addiction

The issue extends beyond just substance abuse. The consumption of overly processed foods stripped of nutrients and excessive refined sugars can also be considered an addiction that alters one’s physiological and genetic makeup. This type of addiction often goes underreported and underemphasized, yet its impact on public health is significant.

Impact of Overprocessed Foods and Refined Sugars

Our current system of medical treatment and pharmaceutical use perpetuates a cycle of dependency. Everyday individuals can access and use drugs without proper education or context about the potential consequences. Many people take pills without consuming enough water, leading to potential complications in the digestive system over time. This constant overuse of medications by well-intentioned individuals has a detrimental effect on public health.

The Wartime Mentality and Incarceration

The War on Drugs has been criticized for its ineffective means of addressing addiction and its focus on incarceration rather than rehabilitation. Instead, a focus on addressing the root causes of addiction and excessive drug use could lead to lasting change. By treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one, we can move towards a more sustainable and effective approach.

Pharmaceutical Overuse and Legal Consequences

The legal push by pharmaceutical companies to make medications easily accessible has resulted in a culture where individuals struggle to distinguish between legal and illicit drug use. The distinction often blurs, leading to situations where individuals who follow instructions to the letter can still fall into dependency. This is exemplified by the rise of fentanyl, a legal substance initially intended to manage pain that has led to criminal activity and overdose deaths.

A Call for Greater Awareness and Reform

Legislators and corporations that prioritize living things and ecological sustainability are at the forefront of this fight. By fostering a culture of restraint and education, we can work towards a society where individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health. Supporting B Corps, businesses committed to social and environmental responsibility, is a crucial step in this direction.