Addiction in the UK

Sadly, substance abuse is not limited to the misuse of illegal or illicit drugs, like crack cocaine, heroin methamphetamine, and various psychoactive substances, but also includes the abuse of legal substances such as alcohol and prescription drugs.

Drug abuse and alcohol addiction have reached endemic proportions in the UK and it is affecting British society as a whole. According to a number of studies carried out in the United Kingdom in recent years, Britain is the drug capital of Europe and has the highest addiction rate for opioids and lifetime abuse of class A drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines.

Unfortunately, addiction to drugs and alcohol is not just a problem for the addict, it is also a burden for their family, friends and loved ones as well as hospital staff, social workers and the broader communities in which these people live and work.

Addiction in the UK is also placing huge financial pressure on the NHS, police services and justice system and ultimately these costs are passed on to the taxpayer. So regardless of whether you know an addict or are related to one, every person in the UK is, in one way or another, affected by the national increase in substance misuse and drug abuse.

Alcohol Addiction In The UK

Alcohol is legal and enjoyed responsibly by most people, but it can also be highly addictive and the misuse and abuse of alcohol in Britain is a huge problem that has far-reaching consequences for families and society as a whole.

Many alcoholics don’t only destroy their own lives, they often destroy the lives of those around them and this is evident in the high number of drunk driving fatalities on British roads every year.

Unfortunately, the stigma that is attached to alcoholism means that only a small percentage of alcoholics seek treatment and, due to a lack of support, many alcoholics relapse after treatment.

Prescription Drug Addiction In The UK

When most people talk about addiction, they think about alcoholism and the abuse of illicit drugs, but these are not the only forms of drug misuse and addiction in the UK. Sadly, the common misconception that only illegal street drugs are addictive and that all drug addicts use class A drugs, has led to a rise in addiction to prescription drugs and medication, most notably opioids and benzodiazepines prescribed for the treatment of pain or mental health issues, but also crack cocaine which has seen its usage increase too.

Addiction to medication prescribed by doctors has become a worldwide problem and most countries have seen a dramatic rise in ER visits from accidental prescription drug overdoses and an increase in admissions for addiction treatment and rehab.

The continuous long-term use of prescription opioids, like Tramadol for chronic pain, can lead to dependency and eventually addiction. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are usually given to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures and will usually only be prescribed for ten days by a doctor but there is a huge market for these drugs on the dark web.

Since this is a highly addictive substance, many patients with mental health issues become dependent or addicted to benzodiazepine and when their prescription ends, they are forced to continue buying their supply illegally on the street or online to support their habit.

There Is No Quick Fix For Addiction

Addiction, whether it be to alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit substances, is a lifelong problem with many long-term side effects that need to be dealt with on a daily basis.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem for the addict, their family, friends and colleagues and drugs have become a focal point for health services in the UK.

In an attempt to address the growing addiction problem in the UK and reduce the harm that addicts are doing to themselves and others, the government has introduced a number of initiatives to tackle drug addiction and lower the number of people who misuse substances. These programs include helplines, support groups, addiction treatment centres, and national drug treatment monitoring.

One of the most important things to accept about addiction treatment is that it is not quick or easy and the addict requires constant support to avoid relapsing. For many people, even taking the first step and admitting that they have a problem is a huge challenge but without the help and support of a drug treatment program and monitoring system, it is almost impossible to beat a substance abuse problem on your own.

Drug addiction can completely alter a person’s mindset and your life can rapidly deteriorate to a point where your entire existence is based on scoring the next fix.

If left untreated drug and alcohol abuse will ultimately lead to long term social, physical and mental health issues, destroying both your life and the lives of those closest to you. The most effective treatment programs for addiction in the UK offer a holistic approach to dealing with substance abuse problems.

Whether one is dealing with the abuse and misuse of alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit street drugs, the best result are obtained by using a combination of therapies, including medically assisted detoxification, residential or home-based care, cognitive therapy, group sessions, outpatient support and counselling with drug and alcohol rehabilitation counsellors.

The residential addiction treatment program at Ocean Recovery Centre is designed to assist adult age addicts on their road to long-term recovery and give them the tools to prevent a relapse.

When entering our treatment facility, you will be thoroughly assessed to determine the severity of the addiction and an appropriate treatment plan will be devised, including cognitive behavioural therapy, group sessions, and family therapy.

We will also require a detailed medical history so that we can identify any underlying health and medical issues. Once you have been assessed, a drug rehabilitation counsellor will explain your treatment plan and options, talking you through the detox process and all the withdrawal symptoms that you can experience.

Your decision to enter a treatment facility could save your life, so call us today on 01253 847 553 and we will help you overcome your addiction and live a happy, healthy, drug-free life.