Almost Addicted, Most people who abuse illegal drugs don't fit the image of the dysfunctional, hustling addict who can't fit into normal society. Between the estimated 10 percent of the population who are true addicts and those who don't use drugs at all falls a group of regular drug users who often don't realize how much their use is affecting their daily lives. According to J. Wesley Boyd, MD, PhD, and Eric Metcalf, MPH, they are almost addicted. Whether their drug of choice is legal or illegal, an upper or a hallucinogen, almost addicts' drug use is negatively impacting their quality of life—but falls short of meeting the diagnostic criteria for substance abuse or dependence.