Substance Misuse Treatment in England Continues to Rise Despite Challenges
Government statistics show that the number of adults accessing structured treatment for drug and alcohol misuse in England continues to grow, though at a slower pace and with challenges. In 2021-22, 457,475 adults accessed substance misuse treatment in England, up 1.2% from 451,593 the previous year. [1]
Government statistics show that the number of adults accessing structured treatment for drug and alcohol misuse in England continues to grow, though at a slower pace and with challenges.
What do the statistics on drug and alcohol use in the UK say?
In 2021-22, 457,475 adults accessed substance misuse treatment in England, up 1.2% from 451,593 the previous year. [1]
Opiates remain the most common issue, with 54.6% of treated clients in for opiate addiction. Alcohol misuse accounted for 23.2% of clients. [2] While these numbers show more people are getting help, treatment completion rates declined slightly. Just over a third (35.0%) of clients completed treatment in 2021-22, down from 37.3% in 2020-21. [1]
How many people are dying from drug or alcohol related deaths in the UK?
Drug-related deaths remain high despite increased funding for treatment services. In 2020, 4,559 people died from drug poisoning in England and Wales, the highest number since records began. [3] Treatment can reduce harm and save lives, however many dependent drug users do not access treatment. The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System estimates that only around 1 in 5 dependent drug users are currently in effective treatment programs. [4]
What can you do if you or a love on is using drugs or alcohol?
If you or a loved one needs help finding addiction treatment, Find Rehab (http://www.findrehab.com) provides free, confidential advice and guidance. From both private and NHS rehab programs to detox and aftercare options, Find Rehab can match you with the right treatment. Call 02031484945 or visit www.findrehab.com.
What can be done about the drug and alcohol problem in the UK?
While increased investment in substance misuse services is vital, wider issues also need addressing. Homelessness, poverty, mental health problems, and trauma often underlie addiction and make treatment more challenging. [5] Continued government support combined with efforts to tackle social determinants of addiction could help more people access and complete treatment, ultimately reducing the harms of substance misuse in England. With help, long-term recovery is possible.
Citations
[1] Adult substance misuse statistics 2021 to 2022 - GOV.UK
[2] Adult substance misuse statistics 2021 to 2022 - GOV.UK
[3] Drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics
[4] Drug Misuse: Findings from the 2019 to 2020 CSEW - GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/drug-misuse-findings-from-the-2018-to-2019-csew
[5] Social determinants and drug use: why are some more vulnerable to drug addiction? | Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (ioppn.kcl.ac.uk)
[Find Rehab](http://www.findrehab.com)
Frequently asked questions
- What do the latest statistics show about substance misuse treatment in England?
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The statistics show that the number of adults accessing substance misuse treatment continues to rise but at a slower pace. In 2021-22, over 457,000 adults received treatment, up 1.2% from the previous year. Opiates remain the most common issue treated. However, treatment completion rates have declined slightly.
- What substances are most commonly treated?
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Opiates, particularly heroin and other opioids, are the most common substances treated. Over half (54.6%) of clients are in treatment for opiate addiction. Alcohol is the next most common reason for treatment, accounting for 23.2% of clients.
- Why don't more people seek treatment for addiction?
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Several reasons, including stigma, lack of awareness about options, cost barriers, and other social factors like homelessness, poverty and mental health issues. The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System estimates that only around 1 in 5 dependent drug users are currently in effective treatment programs.
- How effective is treatment for substance misuse?
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Treatment can be highly effective when tailored to the individual. It can reduce drug use, prevent overdoses, improve mental and physical health, and increase social functioning and employment. For every £1 spent on drug treatment in the UK, £9.50 is saved in costs to the public sector. However, completing treatment and sustaining long-term recovery can be challenging.
- What else could help tackle substance misuse in England?
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In addition to funding treatment services, authorities need to address wider issues like homelessness, poverty, mental health and trauma - social determinants which often underlie addiction. Coordinated efforts across sectors could help more people access and complete treatment, ultimately reducing substance misuse and associated harms.
