Survey Reveals 25% of UK Residents Worry a Family Member Has Alcohol Issues
A comprehensive poll of two thousand adults indicated that one in four people in the Britain are concerned that a partner, relative, or close acquaintance drinks too much. Furthermore, one in six respondents reported worries about a loved one's reliance on illegal drugs.
Rising Dependency Epidemic
The results tend to emphasize what many professionals label a rising "problem" of dependency to alcohol or drugs such as cocaine use and marijuana.
National data show that the National Health Service in England is providing care for more than 310,000 patients each year for drug or alcohol issues – the most significant statistic since 2009 to 2010. Drink-related deaths are at an all-time high.
"The epidemic of alcohol and drug consumption is increasing. The government claims we're reducing intake, but it's not apparent," commented a specialist specialising in dependency.
The group conducting the study has observed a 40% rise over the past few years in the number of individuals seeking help for dependency, featuring a higher proportion of females.
Significant Study Results
- 10% are concerned that they drink too much and one in twenty that they use drugs too often.
- 26% express concern that a partner, relative, or friend overindulges in drink.
- 16% are concerned about a loved one's consumption of illegal drugs.
- Individuals that make over £50,000 a year are three times more likely to contain someone with an substance issue.
Intergenerational Addiction
Furthermore, a seventh of respondents said that substance misuse had influenced multiple generations of their household. Professionals suggested that genetics might account for that, and a number of respondents may be imitating the habits of one or both of their mother and father.
A campaign named Stop the Pattern is being launched to emphasize how common family dependency can be.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the department were restructuring NHS drug and alcohol treatment services in England after an extended time of disregard.
"We have assigned an extra £310 million in 2025-26 to improve drug and alcohol treatment services and assistance programs in the country, in addition to the national budget. Our plan for change will move healthcare towards prevention, including through early intervention, to assist people to enlongate life, healthier lifestyles across the UK," they said.
