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A recent study with 2,000 adults revealed that 25% of individuals in the United Kingdom fear that a partner, family member, or close acquaintance drinks too much. Additionally, a sixth of respondents reported worries about a close person's use of narcotics.

Increasing Addiction Issue

The results tend to emphasize what some professionals describe as a increasing "problem" of substance misuse to drink or substances such as cocaine and cannabis.

Government data reveal that the NHS in the country is providing care for in excess of three hundred ten thousand individuals per year for substance or drink disorders – the most significant number from over a decade ago. Alcohol-related deaths are higher than ever before.

"The issue of alcohol and drug misuse is getting worse. The government says people are consuming less alcohol, but I don't see that," commented a specialist focusing on dependency.

The group commissioning the study has seen a significant jump since 2019 in the number of people seeking help for dependency, including more women than men.

Important Study Results

• Ten percent are concerned that themselves have a drinking problem and 5% that they overuse substances.
• Over a quarter worry that a partner, family member, or friend has excessive alcohol intake.
• Around a sixth worry about a loved one's reliance on illegal drugs.
• Households that earn more than 50k a year are triply more likely to include someone with an addiction problem.

Intergenerational Dependency

In addition, a seventh of respondents said that dependency had affected multiple generations of their household. Specialists indicated that genetics might help to explain that, and certain individuals may be copying the actions of one or two of their parents.

A campaign titled End the Cycle is being introduced to highlight how widespread family dependency has become.

Authority Reaction

A representative for the Ministry of Healthcare and Welfare stated that they were rebuilding NHS substance and drink treatment services in England after an extended time of neglect.

"Authorities have assigned an additional £310m in 2025-26 to improve substance and drink treatment services and recovery support in the country, in addition to the public health grant. The strategy for progress will shift medical care towards proactive measures, such as through timely support, to enable individuals to live longer, better lifestyles across the UK," they said.