Poll of 2,000 people appears to underline experts’ concerns of growing ‘epidemic’ of addiction to alcohol or drugs
One in four people in the UK fear that a partner, relative or friend drinks too much, while one in six worry that a loved one is taking too many drugs.
The findings, from a representative survey of 2,000 adults, appear to underline what some experts say is a growing “epidemic” of addiction to alcohol or drugs such as cocaine and cannabis.
Official figures show that the NHS in England is treating more than 310,000 people a year for drug or alcohol problems – the highest figure since 2009-10. Alcohol-related deaths are at an all-time high.
“The epidemic of alcohol and drug use is getting worse. The government says we’re drinking less, but I don’t see that,” said Dr Niall Campbell, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction at the Priory group of clinics which commissioned the survey from Censuswide. The group has seen a 40% rise since 2019 in the number of people seeking help for addiction, including more women than men.
