The Climb in Drug and Alcohol Abuse
One of the fastest growing concerns is the UK is the rise in drug and alcohol abuse.
The challenges and chaos of the modern world can be overwhelming for many people. Some use exercise as a form of therapy, others might spend time with friends or take a trip somewhere. For many others, a more dangerous form of escapism can feel like the only way to cope.
It has been argued that substance use has become somewhat of a norm in today’s younger sub-sector of society, and the rate of those abusing substances has been steadily increasing over the years. According to WWW.GOV.UK, “The overall number of people in treatment increased by 5% since last year, with 289,215 people in treatment, the highest amount since 2014 to 2015.” This number may be higher, however, as many might not be willing to come forward with their experiences out of fear of judgment. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding substance abuse, with those struggling often being labelled as ‘bad people’ or ‘dirty’. This doesn’t just affect the statistics though, as many people going through addiction will not seek help because of any potential judgment. According to the latest National Survey of Drug Use and Health, only 6% of a reported 46 million Americans battling addiction received treatment.
290,635 people were in contact with drugs and alcohol services from 1st April till 31st March 2023 in the UK. Credit: GOV.UK
So why are people turning to substances in the first place?
While the reasons will vary from person to person, it is typically a result of trying to fit in with friends, relieve stress, self-medicate inadequately managed mental health disorders, as well as early exposure and family influence. The desire to ‘fit in’ is a normal human instinct at any age, as we all typically seek acceptance, validation, and a sense of belonging within our social circles. This need can feel more pressing among young people however, as they are at greater risk of cruelty and isolation if they are not perceived as ‘normal’ by their peers. The rate of mental health disorders among young people is also on the rise, making them more vulnerable to using substances as a coping mechanism for unwanted and unpleasant feelings. Substance abuse has many side effects, for example, bloodshot eyes or large pupils, unexplained changes in their personality, appear scared, anxious, or paranoid. It also affects their personal life, like missing school or work, changes in friends and hobbies, and neglecting friends and family.
Credit: Scottish Government
I talked to a functioning drug addict, who wishes to stay anonymous, about how she got into drugs, why she takes them, and quitting. “I already started having money problems before I came to university because I kept spending money I didn’t have on drugs. I would just spend money that I was meant to be having for uni, and I'd spend it on drugs because I wanted them every time we went out. And even with the friendship group that introduced me to drugs, it kind of became our thing to do drugs together, and it feels weird if we don’t. The biggest reason I struggle with quitting is because I do struggle with my mental health, and I’m constantly trying to find something to make me feel good in some sort of way, and drugs are the only way I can feel the way I want to feel. In terms of talking about addiction from a policing perspective, I think putting more emphasis on the sort of punishment for people using drugs just for self-medicating or using it recreationally. I feel like they should look more into the people distributing drugs, especially the ones who lace their products with things like fentanyl.”
The US has been struggling over the years, with many people consuming drugs that are laced with things like fentanyl or nitazenes. This has caused over 150 deaths a day in the US according to the CDC. This problem has now made its way over to the UK with data from the Office of National Statistics showing around 60 deaths caused by overdosing on fentanyl or other by-products in 2021.
While alcohol is technically a toxic and psychoactive substance, it is only banned in 13 countries. According to Priory, an independent provider that specialises in mental health, addiction, and social care services, “There are an estimated 602,391 dependant drinkers” and “Worldwide, 3 million death every year results from harmful use of alcohol. This represents 5.3% of all deaths.” This is more than 5.18% of all deaths caused by intracerebral haemorrhage, the most common type of stroke, as reported by The World Health Organisation in 2017.
Claire Dowding, a substance misuse outreach worker “Anyone can be struggling with addiction, but there are some things you might notice… like out of character self-isolation, withdrawal from social activities, and poor performance carrying out their usual responsibilities. They might start displaying traits that aren’t typical for them as well, they might becoming easily annoyed or be deceitful… These aren’t always signs of substance abuse, but they may signal that someone is struggling, and reaching out to ask how that person is doing is always a good first point of call.”
It's frightening to see the increasing rates of younger people turning to drugs and alcohol. This has sparked a conversation on social media with people discussing how drinking has become a norm. Drink Aware found 10,000 people under 18 years old, were admitted to hospital because of alcohol in two years, starting April 2017. Research has found many children and teenagers start using drugs and alcohol to fit into their peer groups or have felt pressured by their friends to try it.
Prime Minister in 2022, Boris Johnson announced a 10-year drug plan to “cut down crime and save lives.” With this 10-year plan, they aim to help turn around the lives of drug addicts, which in return will hopefully lower the crime and violence as well as the disorder drug users bring to the community. The plan also involves children receiving a comprehensive education about the dangers of drugs, early interventions to stop young adults getting involved in drugs and crime as well as finding the supply chain.
There have been multiple reported incidents of substance users stealing or committing crimes to help fund their addiction. Up to 50 percent of all theft-related crime is committed by people with a heroin or cocaine problem. The Centre for Social Justice estimated this shop theft cost £6.3bn in 2017, which equals to £270 per household.
If you need support for recreational drug and alcohol addiction, please contact someone for help:
Alcoholics Anonymous:
0800 9177 650
Alcohol Change UK
Frank
0300 123 6600
DrugFAM
0300 888 3853
(Support for anyone affected by someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol)