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 national 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.
Overview of Drug Misuse in England and Wales
Drug misuse is a significant public health concern in England and Wales, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), approximately 1 in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 years reported using illicit drugs in the last year, with cannabis being the most commonly used drug. The survey also found that 2.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 years reported using Class A drugs, including powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and ecstasy. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of drug misuse and the need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
What do the statistics on drug and alcohol use in England and Wales say?
In 2021-22, 457,475 adults accessed substance misuse treatment in England, up 1.2% from 451,593 the previous year. [1]
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), approximately 1 in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 years reported engaging in illicit drug use in the last year, with cannabis being the most commonly used drug. 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 poisoning 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 individuals with drug dependence 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]
Trends in Treatment Numbers
The number of people seeking treatment for drug misuse has been increasing over the years. According to the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS), 289,215 adults were in contact with drug and alcohol services between April 2021 and March 2022, a rise from the previous year. The majority of these individuals were seeking treatment for opiate use, followed by alcohol and other drugs. This upward trend indicates a growing recognition of the need for professional help in overcoming substance misuse.
Substance Use Treatment Approaches
Substance use treatment approaches in England and Wales vary depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. The most common treatment approaches include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapies. According to the NDTMS, 99% of people in treatment received some form of structured treatment, with 53% receiving at least one prescribing intervention. These diverse treatment options aim to address the complex nature of addiction and support individuals on their path to recovery.
Mental Health Treatment and Co-occurring Disorders
Mental health treatment is an essential component of substance use treatment, as many individuals with substance use disorders also experience co-occurring mental health conditions. According to the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 70% of people starting treatment had a mental health need, with 22% not receiving any treatment. The most common mental health conditions among individuals in treatment include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Addressing these co-occurring disorders is crucial for achieving successful treatment outcomes.
Demographics and Treatment Needs
The demographics of individuals seeking treatment for drug misuse vary widely. According to the NDTMS, the majority of people in treatment were men (67%), with the median age ranging from 31 to 46 years depending on the substance group. The survey also found that 58% of people in treatment were over 40 years old, with less than 10% under 30 years old. These statistics underscore the importance of tailoring treatment approaches to meet the diverse needs of different demographic groups.
What can you do if you or a loved one is using drugs or alcohol?
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol use, there are several steps you can take to seek help. These include:
- Contacting a local treatment provider or addiction service
- Reaching out to a healthcare professional or counselor
- Seeking support from a support group or peer network
- Accessing online resources and information
- Seeking help from a trusted friend or family member
It’s essential to remember that seeking help is the first step towards recovery, and there are many resources available to support individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol use.
What can you do if you or a loved one is using drugs or alcohol and needs mental health treatment?
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, 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 misuse and alcohol problem in the UK?
While increased investment in substance misuse services is vital, wider issues also need addressing. Additionally, the rise of new psychoactive substances (NPS) presents new challenges for treatment services. 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.
