09 Apr 2025
This article has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of connected services and support including detox and rehabilitation programmes as well as therapy.
Addiction is a growing concern in the UK, raising questions about when an increase in cases transitions into a public health crisis. This article will explore the definitions of crisis in different contexts, examine the current state of addiction in the UK, and assess the effectiveness of policy and management in addressing addiction issues. We will also analyse recent trends, such as the rise in ketamine abuse, and how they contribute to a broader crisis.
How Is a Public Health Crisis Defined in the UK?
A public health crisis occurs when a health issue reaches a scale that overwhelms the healthcare system, increases mortality rates, and has significant social and economic repercussions. Key indicators of a crisis include rapid increases in cases, hospital admissions, and drug-related crime rates.
Overdose and Death Rates Surge
One of the primary indicators of an addiction crisis is a surge in overdose-related fatalities.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that there were 5,448 deaths related to the use of drugs in England and Wales in 2023; the highest level of drug-related deaths on record and an 11% increase in drug-related deaths compared to 2022.
Opioids remain the most common cause, but there has also been a marked rise in deaths related to synthetic drugs and ketamine.
NHS Overwhelmed by Admissions
When addiction cases lead to a spike in hospital admissions, the NHS faces increased strain. The NHS Lifestyles report in 2022 found that hospital admissions for drug-related mental and behavioural disorders rose by 6% compared to the previous year. In particular, ketamine-related admissions increased significantly, with reports indicating a rise of 200% in some urban areas.
Spikes in Drug-Related Crime
A rise in addiction often correlates with increased drug-related offences. According to Home Office statistics, drug-related crimes, including possession and trafficking, rose by 8% in 2022. Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham have seen notable increases in violent crimes linked to drug gangs, further demonstrating the widespread societal impact of addiction.
Addictions Increase Over Demographics
Addiction is no longer confined to specific social groups; it is affecting individuals across various demographics. A 2023 report from Public Health England found that drug use among 16- to 24-year-olds had risen by 18% over the past five years, with substances like ketamine and nitrous oxide (Nos) becoming increasingly popular. Meanwhile, professionals in high-pressure industries, such as finance and law, report higher levels of substance misuse due to stress and burnout.
The Difference Between Public, Medical, and Personal Health Crises
The term "crisis" can be understood in different ways:
- Public Health Crisis: A widespread issue affecting a significant portion of the population and straining healthcare systems.
- Medical Crisis: A situation where an individual’s health deteriorates rapidly due to addiction-related conditions.
- Personal Health Crisis: The impact of addiction on an individual’s daily life, relationships, and well-being.
Is the UK Facing an Addiction Crisis?
Rehabs UK believes that while addiction cases are rising, proactive measures can prevent a full-scale crisis. Emphasising rehabilitation and treatment over punitive measures can help mitigate the issue before it escalates. Policymakers must prioritise accessible treatment programs and harm reduction strategies to address the root causes of addiction.
The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) and the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) are calling for higher and more sustained levels of public health funding to pay for drug and alcohol services, which are evidenced to reduce the risk of drug-related deaths and improve the health of people who use drugs. These services must be inclusive, non-judgemental and tailored to marginalised populations of people who use drugs including women, minoritised ethnic communities, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK states:
“In my opinion, the UK has been in an addiction crisis for decades, I think we have as a country become so used to the crisis, we see it as normal!
I think the good news is it’s reaching a boiling point it can no longer be brushed under the carpet; the death rates are too high, the prisons are full and the system is at breaking point. The chemical sticky plasters are not hiding the problem anymore!
The truth is in my opinion we need to get serious about better treatment before we fall into having to take desperate measures like opening drug consumption rooms all over the country and decriminalisation drug addiction. I think we are now at the point of either investing in good treatments and getting harder on illegal drug use and supply or completely giving in to drug use and normalising it.”
Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor also comments:
“The UK is facing an addiction crisis, with substance misuse and behavioural addictions affecting people, families, and communities. This includes alcohol dependency to the increasing impact of drugs like Ketamine & Cocaine
Although I understand the reasons why people get punished for addiction and I feel this links to the behaviour element of addiction I think you could easily understand it better if you compare it to an illness like cancer, would you punish someone with cancer? So why punish someone who has an illness such as addiction - treatment and support are far more effective than punishment in addressing addiction.
Addiction is not simply a series of bad choices; it can be a very complex condition influenced by mental health, trauma, and social circumstances. Criminalising individuals struggling with addiction often traps them in a cycle of relapse and backwards and forwards to prison or abandonment from loved ones rather than helping them break free. Investing in accessible treatment options—such as medical detox, rehabilitation programs, therapy, community drug and alcohol services and the fellowship —gives people a real chance at recovery.”
Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, FPH President said:
“For a growing public health crisis of this magnitude, we need a proportionately urgent response. To reverse these spiralling trends and save lives, the Government must take bold, innovative, and evidence-led action to protect the health of populations across the UK.
“We need to do more to challenge stigmatising policies and attitudes towards people who use drugs, which negatively impact health and wellbeing, encourage riskier drug use, and deter people from accessing support when they need it.”
Alison Challenger, ADPH policy lead for addiction, said:
“With the UK facing its own drug death crisis, the Government must consider introducing and upscaling similar interventions, while at the same time evaluating their impact to ensure they are effective at reducing drug-related harm.”
“It is important to remember too that these figures do not reflect expected increases in deaths caused by dangerous nitazene opioids, which are increasingly adulterating traditional drug supplies in the UK and are likely to exacerbate our existing drug-related death crisis.”
Learn More About Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the first step is seeking professional help. Speak with one of our Treatment Advisors today to explore treatment options.