Addiction in the UK isn’t what it used to be. Once, the word ‘addition’ might have made people think of homeless people, smoky pubs, raves, clubs, or even backstreet dealings. Today, however, addiction wears many faces.
There are now more types of addiction than ever before, with people these days addicted to social media, their phones and gambling as well as drugs and alcohol.
The only benefit in recent years is that more people than ever are now more aware of the challenges of addiction and how to treat an addiction, and the issues that often come with it.
In this article, we will explore the shifting landscape of addiction in the UK, what’s driving these changes, and the innovative approaches helping people find long-term recovery in 2025.
Addiction in 2025
According to a study carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and the Office for National Statistics, addiction trends across the UK are shifting dramatically.
While traditional substance misuse, such as alcohol and illicit drugs, remains a major concern across the UK, there are also now newer forms of dependency emerging up and down the country.
Despite this, alcohol continues to be the UK’s most widespread form of addiction. According to a recent study in 2024, over 600,000 adults in England were estimated to be dependent on alcohol, yet only around one in five received treatment. Although awareness has improved, binge drinking and hidden drinking (particularly among middle-aged adults) remain prevalent issues.
The pandemic years intensified the problem with alcohol across the UK. Lots of people across the UK used alcohol as a coping mechanism throughout the many lockdowns, stress and isolation that the pandemic brought.
For hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, their alcohol use has continued long after the pandemic has finished.
Detox and rehab admissions related to alcohol misuse remain high, and professionals report a growing number of individuals seeking help for alcohol related mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and sleep issues such as insomnia.
For example, Rehab 4 Addiction’s detox services and rehab centres are using more treatment options than ever before, including holistic therapy.
1. Prescription Drugs
Drug use has changed in character, too, with many people now addicted to prescription medication as opposed to more traditional drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Whilst cocaine remains a leading problem when it comes to drug addiction in the UK, purity levels of cocaine are now at a record high, and there has never been a more dangerous time to become addicted to drugs, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). This means that people are consuming cocaine at hazardous levels.
While this is a worrying statistic, it is prescription drugs that are drawing increasing concern across the UK, with opioids, benzodiazepines and ADHD medications currently on the rise.
Lots of people who become addicted to prescription medication are actually prescribed the drug legitimately at first. However, these substances can quietly lead to dependency.
Some people find themselves trapped in a cycle of chasing relief from pain or anxiety, unaware they’ve crossed into addiction territory.
In fact, the NHS has seen a notable increase in patients seeking help for prescription medication withdrawal, prompting new guidelines.
2. Phones and Social Media
When most people think of addiction, they think of drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, alcohol or heroin. However, in the modern world, more people than ever are addicted to their phones and to their social media accounts, such as TikTok and Instagram.
Phones make it incredibly easier to become addicted to the likes of gambling and gaming, and this is the case for all demographics.
In fact, the Gambling Commission reports that nearly half a million people in the UK are now considered what they would call ‘problem gamblers’ who are either already addicted to gambling, or at least at risk of becoming addicted.
Likewise, more and more young people are becoming addicted to their phones and to social media, creating a whole host of issues such as depression and anxiety.
What’s Driving the Increase in Addiction?
The face of addiction doesn’t change by itself or overnight. In fact, issues such as addiction evolve over many years and for several different reasons.
Right now, the UK is undergoing several major shifts and changes that are influencing how, why and where addiction takes place.
1. Mental Health Pressures
It is well-documented and studied that addiction and mental health are closely linked. Right now, it’s no coincidence that addiction rates are on the rise whilst more people than ever are suffering from poor mental health.
In fact, levels of anxiety, depression and burnout are on the rise, with more people turning to addictive and illegal substances as a crutch to help them cope with their issues. In fact, in a recent study carried out by NHS England, mental health referrals have hit an all-time high, with over 4.6 million people currently waiting for treatment.
Due to the increase in demand for mental health services, access to therapy is delayed. This means that people who rely on NHS-funded mental health treatment are using addictive substances to cope with their emotions. Rehab professionals often note that many people entering rehab and detox programmes are battling not just addiction, but untreated trauma and mental health issues, too.
2. Economic Pressures
The cost of living crisis has also played a huge role in addiction and mental health issues across the UK. The financial uncertainty across the world and across the UK has been triggered by the likes of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and numerous wars across the world. This can drive escapism, with many people using drugs and alcohol as a temporary release. However, this urge is counterintuitive, as addiction often deepens money problems, trapping people in a cycle that’s hard to break without professional help.
3. The Rise of the Internet
Finally, the rise of social media and online gambling platforms has created easy access to highly addictive activities. Algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, and for some people, that engagement crosses the line into addiction.
In fact, an increasing number of detox and rehab centres across the UK are now treating digital detox clients, who are those looking to break free from their screens and re-engage with real life off of their phones and social media.
The Role of Technology in Addiction Recovery
Whilst technology is playing a huge role in people becoming more addicted to drugs and their phones, technology is also becoming a valuable tool when it comes to addiction recovery.
Several apps can help when it comes to addiction recovery. For example, apps such as Sober Grid and Reframe allow users to track their progress when it comes to their recovery, as well as the chance to connect with people who are also struggling with addiction issues.
Virtual rehab is also becoming an increasingly popular option for anyone who cannot afford to pay for private rehab or can’t wait long enough for NHS-funded rehab treatment.
This will usually involve attending virtual rehab treatment over Zoom or Teams, where you will undergo a home detox and receive virtual therapy treatment.
There are also now several AI relapse prediction tools, which analyse patterns in speech or behaviour, which will then alert support teams whenever they deem to believe that someone is at risk of relapsing and slipping back into addiction.
The Stigma Surrounding Addiction
For years and years, the stigma surrounding addiction has been one of the biggest barriers to addiction recovery. Many people fear judgment from employers, friends, or family, which often delays them from seeking detox or rehab. But thankfully, that narrative is starting to change.
Campaigns from organisations like Mind, the NHS and Recovery Street have helped reframe addiction as a public health issue rather than a personal failing. More celebrities and influencers are also sharing their own recovery stories, from footballers to TV personalities, which is helping to normalise the conversation and stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
There are now several companies and workplaces getting on board too, with many companies now offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that cover addiction support, counselling and even rehab referrals should anyone need them. This cultural shift is making it easier for people to reach out early and get the help they need before the crisis point.
The Solution
One of the biggest things the UK can do to help those suffering from addiction issues is to help change the stigma that surrounds addiction. This starts by helping those with addiction to improve their lives and tell their story, as well as teaching young people and their parents the complexities that surround addiction issues across the UK.
Likewise, more education on the complexities of mental health will also help to break down stigma and encourage more people to help those around them or seek help if they themselves are suffering from poor mental health.
Workplaces also need to create a positive and healthy environment for those suffering from addiction issues, which will encourage more people to speak up if they are suffering. Likewise, the UK needs to embrace the power of technology and use it to help bring more innovative solutions to the recovery sphere.
To Conclude
Addiction across the UK is changing, and in some ways, improvements are being made. Whilst there are now more people addicted to a wide range of substances, the conversation surrounding addiction is changing across the UK.
There are also now more treatment options than ever before. From advanced detox treatments and holistic rehab to mental health treatment and digital support, the UK’s recovery landscape is evolving rapidly and improving in the process. Whilst addiction itself may adapt and worsen, so too does the UK’s resilience in overcoming it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction issues, then it is important to remember that there is help available and that you do deserve help. There is a range of treatment options, and you can start your recovery journey today by contacting your local GP or your local drug and alcohol rehab service.
