Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and depression.While the price of alcohol has increased by 36% since 2005, it remains 60% more affordable than it was in 1980.Alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost the NHS around £3.5 billion annually.Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.In England, there are an estimated 595,131 dependent drinkers, of whom only 108,696 are currently accessing treatment.The mortality rates are highest among people aged 55-64. In the UK, there were 8,758 alcohol-related deaths in 2015 (around 14 per 100,000 people).In 2016, 21% of the population reported not drinking at all and overall consumption has fallen by around 18% since 2004.7% of adults in England regularly drink over the recommended Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, while 2.5 million people report drinking over 14 units on their heaviest drinking days.Individuals who abuse drugs tend to be more stigmatised than those with a mental illness, because people view drug abuse as a personal choice, and not a medical condition. It’s very difficult to determine exact figures, as many do not seek help from health services. In 2001, it was estimated that 118,500 people received treatment from drug misuse agencies in England alone. The addiction forces the individual to pursue reward via substance use. Also, there were 9,031 alcohol-related deaths, which is over double the rate from 1991.Īddiction is a chronic psychiatric disease, where there is dysfunction in the brain reward and memory system. The Office for National Statistics reported that in 2008, there were 2,928 drug-related deaths in England, with heroin being the most frequent cause of death. The UK has the highest prevalence of drug misuse in Europe, with approximately one third of all adults in England and Wales reported to have used drugs at least once in their lifetime.
Addiction statistics for the United Kingdom This article takes a look at the addiction statistics across the world. This has led to the launch of campaigns and special programmes targeted at dissuading new users from abusing substances and helping addicted individuals to come forward and seek help instantly. From developed societies to struggling economies, addiction cuts right through the populace.