Due to Stem City not having any native plants that can be processed into proper liquor, nobles must purchase bulk supplies of alcohol from off-worlds through the Nexus. Most of the major off-world alcohol companies lace their drinks for a more additive effect. The horrible mental disease has been effortlessly given to the noble class of Stem City, over half of those that get even a sip become chemically reliant on it. Due to it being seen as a "rich person's treat" and thus having its prices hiked dramatically, most Stem City denizens never even get to taste it in their lifetime.
A special chemical treatment was introduced into the black market shortly after Stem City ruler Ahsonov came to power. When consumed, it causes the user to enter into an otherworldly trance. They will begin wandering as if they were zombies. Bright lights, fake rooms, and voices will attack their mind for hours at a time before they blackout.
Modern pillsmiths working for Under the Tower's syndicate sprinkle a smidge of addictive chemicals into them to make sure customers keep coming back. A growing minority of Stem City's lower class citizens are addicted due to the Hallupills' cheap price and ease of access, thanks to Blema Von Voldark's legislation. Using Hallupills even once inflicts permanent damage upon the brain, leaving one's senses unable to tell the truth from the false with continued use.
A rudimentary depressant that is made in special Fungal Waste farms by Under the Tower syndicates using Stem Slime and special grass. Back in the Era of Nobility, they were secretly sold to nobles and seen as a status symbol.
After Blema's UNRESTRICT ACT, however, Under the Tower's businesses have gone to selling them on the streets to anyone and everyone willing to buy. Nobles, off-world citizens, and outlanders alike now have cheap Felgoods scattered about their homes. Felgoods automatically calm down anybody who lights it ablaze and inhales its smoke. Given all these factors, addiction and reliance is widespread all across Stem Island.