According to the latest government figures provided by the ONS (Office of National Statistics), overall drug use has remained relatively stable in recent years. But certain substances and demographics are showing different trends.

So on the surface it looks like drug use is stabilising in the country, but there is a more complex picture pointing towards the situation looking increasingly alarming.

What Do the Latest UK Drug Statistics Show?

The drug statistics produced by the ONS show that around 8.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported using drugs in the previous year, which equates to approximately 2.9 million people. The figure for the previous year was 8.8%, so this indicates no statistically significant change at first glance.

These numbers include all classes of drugs. When it comes to Class A drug use in the UK around 1.1 million people used them in the year ending March 2025. Like the wider UK drug trends, there was no statistically significant change from the previous number, meaning that Class A drug use also remains relatively stable.

The figures available help us see a more realistic picture of the situation. We can see that, thankfully, overall drug use does not seem to be worsening, but it also tells us that the problem is not getting better, perhaps fast enough.

So, Is Drug Use Going Up or Down?

Well, the underlying numbers tell us that drug use has remained broadly stable.

In some cases, drug use has declined. For example, the use of ecstasy amongst people aged 16 to 59 years has decreased from 1.7% in 2015 to 1.2% in 2025. The decrease among younger people is even more stark, going from 5.3% ten years ago 1.9% today.

Use of hallucinogens has also decreased, as well as nitrous oxide.

On the other side, some drug use has increased or remained at very high levels, especially in relation to ketamine and cocaine use.

Drug Use Among Young People

Across the board, drug use remains highest among 16 to 24-year-olds, with 15.1% of this age group reporting any use in the last 12 months.

There has been little change in this number from last year but it does represent a downward trend, where usage among this age group has generally fallen compared with historic peaks seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1997, the number for youth drug use peaked at 31.8%.

There can be several factors that explain this downward trend in drug use amongst young people, including:

  • Changing social habits: More socialising is done online, and there is less of a club culture nowadays.
  • Increased awareness: Regular warnings about drugs occur in schools and the community from a young age, so younger people grow up more aware of the dangers of drugs.
  • Public health campaigns: The NHS provides comprehensive drug awareness aimed at younger people, and organisations like FRANK provide drug education that is easily accessible.

Cannabis

Cannabis use is one of the most commonly used drugs since estimates began in 1995. 6.5% of people aged 16 to 59 years used cannabis last year, with this number staying relatively consistent despite year-to-year fluctuations.

Among younger people, the number is higher at 12.5%, but that represents a decline from 16.4% in 2015.

Cocaine

Once the chosen drug for the wealthy, cocaine is now and remains one of the most widely used Class A drugs. But there is increasing concern around the health impacts of cocaine and cocaine related deaths, with 1,279 deaths linked to cocaine registered in 2024. That is the 13th consecutive year that the figure had increased.

Ketamine

Ketamine use is on the rise and has increased by 251.85% since 2015.

There are big concerns regarding dependency and long-term health effects, with many urology departments across the UK declaring they are close to breaking point as ketamine-related hospital admissions are on the rise.

Why Drug Statistics Don’t Tell the Whole Story

The numbers don’t tell the whole story, and various terms are used to differentiate separate issues. Terms often used are:

  • Drug use: Relates to the use of drugs.
  • Drug dependency: Relates to people being dependent on drugs.
  • Drug-related harm: Relates to specific consequences, such as drug-related deaths.

So, in fact, stable usage rates do not necessarily mean reduced harm, as there is no further examination of the seriousness of a person’s usage.

To see the damage of drugs in the UK, it’s helpful to look at some statistics, including:

What Are Addiction Services Seeing?

There is a rising number of people accessing treatment services. 169,542 people entered treatment last year alone, which is a number that has been rising year on year since 2021 after a period of stability.

Addiction services are also now more commonly working with more complex cases, especially those dealing with co-occurring mental health issues and polysubstance use.

There is also the rising challenge of treating synthetic opioid use, known as nitazenes, which are becoming more common and can be up to 500 times more potent than heroin.

Why People Develop Drug Problems

Knowing the drug addiction statistics in the UK is one thing, but to properly deal with the issues, we need to understand why they happen.

  • Mental health challenges: People with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be prescribed medication and slip into misuse or use substances to help deal with the problem.
  • Trauma: People who suffer abuse, neglect, loss, violence, or other traumatic events are vulnerable, with these situations having lasting effects. Drug use may be a way of coping with emotional pain.
  • Stress: Just like a pint at the end of a long day, drugs can offer an escape or release if someone is experiencing ongoing stress in their daily life.
  • Social pressures: Peer pressure can lead people to use substances they may not be fully comfortable with, so they are not left out. This is particularly true of younger people.
  • Self-medication: Drugs can be used as a coping strategy to manage and relieve physical and mental pain.
  • Environmental influences: Someone who lives around drugs may be more likely to take them up. Drug availability, family history and socioeconomic factors can all contribute to addiction.

When Does Recreational Use Become Addiction?

Using drugs recreationally, in a social setting, can seem harmless and similar to drinking. However, just like alcoholism, recreational drug use can happen gradually and without the user being fully aware.

Soon enough, that casual use of drugs on the weekend can turn into something that consumes your life. It’s important to know the signs that the situation may be worsening so that you can take steps to stop it.

Common warning signs include:

  • Increasing frequency of drug use
  • Cravings
  • Loss of control over drug use
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you stop
  • Continuing drug use despite negative consequences
  • Hiding your drug use from others
  • People have commented on your drug use
  • Thinking about drugs when you are not using them
  • Increasing tolerance

If you recognise these signs, it may point towards you having advanced from recreational use into something more serious.

Seeking Help for Drug Addiction

The good news is that there is professional help available to people. There are many avenues for treatment, well-equipped to deal with drug misuse anywhere in the UK.

Asana Lodge is a rehab centre, providing residential addiction treatment for those who need it. We offer comprehensive drug rehab treatment that is created to suit each person’s unique situation. Asana Lodge recommends an inpatient plan because it allows you to focus on your recovery, removing yourself from potentially triggering surroundings and people and taking a break from the stressors of daily life.

With us, and any reputable facility, your journey through rehab will likely follow this path:

  • Detox: The first step is to end your physical dependence on substances. Medically assisted detoxification means you can go through withdrawal in a safe setting, supported by medical professionals.
  • Therapy: To achieve long-term recovery, you need to deal with the psychological side of addiction. A combination of individual, group and well-being therapies can help you better understand your addiction, learn healthier coping strategies, and become mentally more robust.
  • Aftercare support: Aftercare gives you access to weekly group meetings and one to one support. We provide this free of charge for a year.

The idea of hitting rock bottom is a myth. Treatment shouldn’t be a last resort but instead a positive step towards living a more fulfilling, drug-free life.

Get Support Today

If you’re worried about someone you know or your own drug use, professional help is available. Contact Asana Lodge today by calling 01908 489 421 for confidential support and guidance.

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