Addiction Awareness Week 2024

As we enter Addiction Awareness Week, we want to reflect on the complex and often misunderstood nature of addiction. Addiction is not just about substance abuse—it can affect many aspects of a person’s life and take various forms. This week provides an opportunity to educate ourselves, raise awareness, and highlight the importance of seeking help and support for those who need it.

Firstly, what Is Addiction?

In 2023, 137,749 people entered treatment for their addiction services. Addiction is a condition where a person can become dependent on a substance or activity, despite the negative consequences it may have on their physical, emotional, or social well-being. It can be both physical and psychological, often making it incredibly challenging to break free without professional support.

What are the Different Types of Addiction in the UK?

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common forms of addiction. Many individuals with alcohol dependency drink excessively, which can lead to health issues such as liver disease, heart problems, and emotional disturbances. In severe cases, alcohol addiction can result in social isolation.

Currently in the UK, there are 602,391 people that struggle with alcohol use disorder, with only 18% of them being treated.

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction can include addiction to prescription medication (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), and also illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin), and other substances. Drug addiction can have severe long-term effects on the body, mind, and relationships. It often involves cycles of withdrawal, relapse, and attempts at recovery.

45% of 18-75 year olds in the UK have either personally struggled with addiction, or knows someone that has, this highlights the need to erase the stigma around addiction to allow people to feel as though they can speak out and receive treatment.

Nicotine Addiction

Smoking and vaping are forms of nicotine addiction. Though the immediate effects are less severe than other substances, nicotine is highly addictive, leading to long-term health problems such as cancer, respiratory issues, and heart disease.

Over the last 3 years, the amount of people in the UK that either smoke or vape has doubled. Since 2021, the statistic has jumped from 17% to 32% in 2024, equating to around 2.2 million people.

Vaping is a growing concern in the UK as people are starting to vape at a younger age, with 1 in 10 school pupils currently vaping. This is alarming as currently, the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, making it important that people receive guidance and avoid the potential damages vaping can have on someone's health.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling disorder is characterised by an overwhelming urge to gamble despite the negative consequences. Individuals may continue gambling even when it harms their finances, relationships, and mental health.

Research has found that the problem of gambling in the UK may be eight times higher than initially anticipated, with 2.5% of adults struggling with a gambling addiction. Additionally, gambling doesn’t just impact adults, there are currently 85,000 young people in the UK that are spending their money gambling on sporting and casino apps.

What is the impact of addiction?

Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it can impact families and communities with emotional and financial distress which could lead to a strain on relationships. People struggling with addiction may experience physical health problems, mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and significant strain in their personal relationships. Often, due to stereotypes and stigma, addiction is accompanied by shame, guilt, and isolation, making it even more difficult to seek help.

Services and Support for Addiction Recovery

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient rehab centers offer intensive, residential treatment for people with severe addiction. These programs provide 24/7 care, therapy, and support in a controlled environment. They are especially beneficial for those who require a structured, distraction-free setting to begin their recovery journey.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home while receiving treatment. These programs are typically less intensive than inpatient treatment but still provide therapy, counseling, and support on a scheduled basis.

Detoxification

Detox programs provide medical supervision for individuals withdrawing from substances. Detox is an essential first step for many people, as it helps to manage the symptoms of withdrawal safely. Detox is the process of clearing your body and removing the substances that an individual has consumed- the aim of a detox is to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy and Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a popular form of therapy that helps individuals recognise and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to their addiction. It can be used to treat both substance use and behavioral addictions. During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the sessions will be split up to target 5 components; situations, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions.

Family Therapy

Family therapy plays a critical role in the recovery process. It helps loved ones understand addiction, communicate effectively, and rebuild trust and support systems.

Addiction counselling

Nearly a third of the UK have sought help from a counsellor or psychological therapist in the last 12 months- highlighting how many people could potentially be struggling with the same issues as you, this is an important statistic as it can provide comfort and reassurance to someone who is avoiding therapy due to stereotypes and stigma.

What to expect from therapy:

An open-ended, honest conversation
Tailored discussions, relevant to your addictions
A trusted source of guidance and support
A recovery strategy
Relief

There are many different areas of support that can assist you with conquering addictions. Unless you access private addiction services, the support will be cost-free and can provide you with guidance that can change your outlook on addiction.

Available Helplines:

The Road to Recovery

Addiction recovery is not easy, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It often requires a combination of different treatments, strategies, and support systems tailored to the individual. However, recovery is possible, and the first step is always reaching out for help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Take that first step toward recovery—whether it’s reaching out to a support group, contacting a treatment center, or simply talking to someone who cares.

Alternatively, if you work in the industry and are looking for your next support role, contact our team of substance misuse professionals and find your next opportunity.

Substance Misuse Roles