Kent
Kent is a county in South East England known for its stunning countryside, seaside towns, and historic castles. However, like many places in the UK, Kent is facing an ongoing problem with drug and alcohol addiction.
Addiction in Kent: Understanding substance use disorder
Substance use disorders have devastating effects on individuals and their loved ones, impacting physical health, mental wellbeing, and relationships. Understanding addiction as a brain disease and seeking professional treatment can help struggling individuals gain control over substance use and rebuild their lives.
Statistics on addiction in Kent
• Approximately 4.5% of the Kent adult population have a drug or alcohol addiction, according to Public Health England.
• Opiate abuse is a significant issue in Kent, with over 2,300 opiate and/or crack cocaine users identified in 2016/17.
• Almost 25% of adults in Kent binge drink alcohol at least once a week, higher than the national average of 22%.
• Between 2010 and 2016, drug-related deaths in Kent increased by 68%, reaching 71 deaths in 2016.
• Around 5,000 individuals access drug and alcohol treatment services in Kent each year.
These statistics show that while many Kent residents are seeking and benefitting from treatment, addiction continues to profoundly impact lives and communities. Increased awareness, reduced stigma, and expanded prevention programs are needed to curb substance abuse in Kent.
Causes of addiction in Kent
The reasons someone develops an addiction vary but often involve a combination of factors:
• Genetics: Some individuals are born with a higher sensitivity and vulnerability to addiction.
• Environment: Exposure to substances at a young age and peer pressure increase risk of problematic use.
• Trauma and mental health issues: Co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD can lead individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
• Access: Availability of addictive substances influences risk, especially for teenagers and young adults.
Substance use often begins recreationally but over time, changes in the brain caused by drugs and alcohol lead to compulsive use and addiction. Understanding the complex causes of addiction can help reshape stigma and promote more compassionate responses.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the causes of substance abuse in Kent?
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This article discusses several causes of addiction in Kent, including genetics, environment, trauma, mental health issues, and easy access to drugs. No single factor causes addiction but rather a combination of these influences.
- What statistics on addiction are mentioned?
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The article cites statistics showing that approximately 4.5% of Kent adults have a drug or alcohol addiction. It also discusses specific statistics on opiate abuse, binge drinking, drug-related deaths, and numbers accessing treatment services.
- How does the article define addiction?
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The article frames addiction as a brain disease, explaining that over time, changes in the brain caused by substances lead to compulsive use and addiction. Understanding addiction as a disease can help reduce stigma and promote treatment.
- How can individuals seek help for addiction in Kent?
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Get in touch with Find Rehab on 02031484945 or by emailing [email protected] is the first step in getting addiction treatment in Kent.
