The Rising Epidemic of Addiction in the UK

What do the latest statistics on drug addiction in the UK say?

According to the latest figures from Public Health England (PHE), over 3 million people in England alone are addicted to alcohol or illegal drugs. This equates to nearly 6% of the population aged 16-59 being physically or psychologically dependent on substances. Alcohol remains the most common addiction in the UK, with around 2.1 million alcoholics. An estimated 418,000 individuals are addicted to opiates like heroin and fentanyl, 296,000 to crack cocaine, and 775,000 to cannabis. Sadly, the numbers have risen substantially in recent years, with a 22% increase in alcoholism and 37% rise in opiate addiction since 2013. 

What other addictions are on the rise?

Other behavioural addictions are also on the rise, including gambling addiction which has doubled in the past three years to over 400,000 people. This is unsurprising given the proliferation of online betting platforms and casino games in the digital age. Up to 2% of the population, or 1.2 million people, are addicted to shopping. New types of addiction fuelled by technology, like gaming, social media and pornography, are impacting younger demographics at alarming rates. Over 50,000 adolescents aged 13-18 are already addicted to online gambling.

What is the social and monetary cost to the UK?

The costs of addiction on society are staggering. Alcohol misuse alone is estimated to cost the UK £21 billion annually in healthcare, crime and lost productivity expenses. The Centre for Social Justice places the economic burden of all addictions at £120 billion per year in England when factoring the effects on communities, families and costs of untreated addicts. With the coronavirus pandemic exacerbating many forms of addiction, these figures are only expected to rise. 

The human impact behind the statistics is equally devastating. Addiction destroys lives, fuels criminality, and causes huge suffering for dependent individuals as well as their loved ones. Those in the grip of active addiction often experience severe personal consequences, such as:

- Financial problems: Addicts frequently face unemployment, unmanageable debt, bankruptcy and poverty. In England, 70% of problem drug users report income from illegitimate sources.

- Mental health issues: Substance abuse disorders triple the risk of mental illness. Over 50% of drug addicts have comorbid psychiatric disorders. The suicide rate for alcoholics is six times higher than the general population.

- Family breakdown: Relationships with spouses, children and relatives are strained; children of addicts are more prone to misconduct and addiction themselves. 49% of polled adults had a relative with an alcohol or drug problem.

- Physical health risks: Depending on the addiction, consequences may include organ damage, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, infections, respiratory illness and accidental injury or death from overdose. The average lifespan of opioid addicts is 30 years below national averages.

- Crime and imprisonment: Many addicts resort to theft, fraud and violence to fund their habits. 60-70% of UK prisoners have a substance dependence issue.

- Homelessness: Addiction is both a cause and consequence of homelessness. Over two thirds of homeless people struggle with substance dependence.

The future looks bleak, or does it?

Without treatment, the chronic relapsing nature of addiction can lead to innumerable cycles of struggle and despair. Thankfully, various rehabilitation and support services exist that can help addicts achieve recovery and lasting sobriety. Residential rehab programmes provide those with moderate to severe addictions the care and supervised detox they urgently require. Specialist centres offer intensive psychotherapy, counselling, group support and relapse prevention tools in safe, structured environments.

What are the options for those unable to private afford residential rehab?

For those unable to afford private residential rehab or with less severe addictions, community-based services provide cost-effective outpatient treatment programmes. Local council funded organisations like We Are With You provide free addictions therapy and counselling. Peer-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous use 12-step models that many find invaluable alongside counselling. Charities like Action on Addiction operate residential centres delivering affordable recovery services.

What can we do at Find Rehab?

The journey to overcoming addiction can seem intimidating or impossible without adequate support. But no one has to suffer alone or remain trapped indefinitely in the cycle of substance dependence that ruins lives. Help is available. Reach out to services like www.findrehab.co.uk that can assess your situation, match you with trusted treatment providers in your local area, and guide you through the process towards rehabilitation. With the right treatment plan tailored to your needs, recovery is possible. A happier, healthier and addiction-free life awaits. The first step is seeking help.