Drug Use in the UK on the Rise

United Kingdom

Drug Use in the UK on the RiseNo surprise that the world is shrinking, and the addiction riptide is worldwide. Most recent stats: drug use in the UK is on the rise. A recent government-sponsored survey in the United Kingdom shows drug use in both England and Wales is on the rise. This change is disturbing, because in the last 14 years there was a slow, steady and hope-inducing decrease in the use of illicit drugs by UK citizens between the ages of 16 and 59, but in the last year alone this is an increase in 270,009 people, bringing the total to 2.7 million!

Who Is Using?

Over 180,000 of these new illicit drug users are between the ages of 16 and 24. Some 3% of the adults responding to the survey use illicit drugs more than once a month. Where are the English and the Welsh getting their drugs? Over 57% get them from someone they know, such as a friend or coworker. Another 25% go directly to a drug dealer, and 4% get drugs from a relative. Most respondents to this survey on drug use in the UK say they use drugs at home, or someone else’s home. A quarter takes drugs at club, pubs or parties.

The drugs that seem to be on the rise, in light of what was presented by the survey are:

  • Cocaine
  • Ecstasy
  • LSD
  • Ketamine

New “Legal” Drug Use in the UK

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is frequently found at fairs or festivals in the UK. A legal loophole allows this gas to be sold and distributed in garden variety birthday balloons. While teens and young adults see this as an easy way to get a legal buzz, deaths related to drowning or using other drugs with nitrous oxide are increasingly being identified.

Is there an upside in the trends related to drug use in the UK? Drug deaths continue to drop, and the number of individuals seeking help is increasing.

If you, or someone you care about, needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction,
contact us at +1 855 300 0594 US, +44 80 8168 7072 UK or +61 1800 583 325 AU.
We’re here to help you take that first important step.

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