There's no need to feel powerless in the face of shocking addiction statistics. Recovery is possible, and we all have a role to play.
As our new poll reveals, the scale of addiction in the UK is growing. Its impact runs wide and deep. You probably know someone who is fighting addiction. I certainly do.
In 2021, Taking Action on Addiction (TAOA) ran a UK poll to measure the impact of the pandemic on addiction. It generated eye-catching data: over 20% of UK adults reported drinking more alcohol since the pandemic began.
At the time it felt significant, certainly. But it also seemed wise to “wait and see.” Perhaps this was somehow a peak, a reaction to the stresses of COVID and lockdown, which would reduce as normal life resumed?
Tragically, polling in the interim and again this year is telling us loud and clear: the pandemic uptick in consumption and its consequences is not a blip. Three years after COVID restrictions lifted, 31% of people with personal experience of addiction or dependency say that nowadays, compared to the start of the pandemic in March 2020, they consume more alcoholic drinks.
The broader statistics around dependency are equally stark. One in 10 UK adults aged 16–75 (11%) report having experienced addiction to alcohol, drugs, medication or gambling at some point in their lives. A surprisingly high 47% of survey respondents had either experienced addiction or dependency themselves, or knew someone who has.
This is hugely significant. It tells us that addiction is not a marginal social issue.
All around us, as we go about our daily lives, we encounter people living with addiction. More than two in five (45%) of those who have experienced addiction or dependency are in full-time employment. More than one in 15 people (7%) reported consuming alcohol in secret.
Yet the stigma remains a formidable barrier in attempting to tackle addiction. Between 21% and 43% of those with experience of dependency say shame would prevent them from seeking support from at least one of nine named sources, including their GP or employer.
We must do more to change this addiction narrative. As Royal Patron of The Forward Trust, HRH The Princess of Wales says, “For too long, many have suffered in silence, harbouring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability.”
Misunderstanding, shame, and fear of judgement are holding people back from getting the help they need.
Without a doubt, we face an addiction crisis in the UK. Last year saw over 15,000 deaths from drug and alcohol alone. Every death is a family member, friend, work colleague, or neighbour. The physical and mental health consequences of addiction ripple far and wide. The “blast radius of addiction” is large.
Our poll shows more than half (54%) of those who have experienced addiction or dependency can identify negative impacts on their physical health, from tiredness, loss of sleep, and reduced self-care to overdoses, liver damage, pancreatitis and more. Emotional and psychological distress, including suicidal thoughts, mental health issues and shame, has been experienced by a similar number (53%). Addiction is causing problems in both finances (debt, insecurity, reduced income; 46%) and relationships (conflict or breakdown with partner, friends or family; 41%).
This is why Addiction Awareness Week is so important. It gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the everyday nature of addiction in British life, and to come together to do something about the stigma surrounding it.
In one way or another, addiction affects us all. Those struggling with it need to know recovery is possible with the right support, treatment, or community.
Each of us could be the one to signpost that help, starting from today. To initiate conversations even when it may be difficult, or where previous attempts have failed. To share an experience, reach out to a friend, seek additional training at work, or offer support to an employee.
The incredible message from our Patron, Princess of Wales, on the eve of Addiction Awareness Week inspires everyone at Forward and beyond to reach out as far as possible with empathy and hope to show that recovery is possible.
Because, to again echo her words, “by acting with humility and compassion we can all make a difference and support those who are suffering.”
Join the Taking Action on Addiction campaign. Help us to change the story of addiction in the UK.
By Sally Benton, Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications at The Forward Trust.
