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A recent poll involving two thousand respondents has found that one in four people in the UK are concerned that a partner, relative, or close acquaintance drinks too much. Additionally, one in six respondents reported worries about a loved one's use of illegal drugs.

Increasing Substance Misuse Epidemic

These findings seem to highlight what many specialists label a increasing "epidemic" of dependency to drink or substances such as cocaine use and marijuana.

Official data reveal that the National Health Service in the country is providing care for more than 310,000 individuals annually for substance or drink issues – the highest figure since 2009-10. Liquor-related mortalities are at an all-time high.

"This crisis of alcohol and drug misuse is increasing. The government states people are reducing intake, but it's not apparent," noted an expert specialising in substance abuse.

The clinic conducting the survey has seen a 40 percent increase in recent years in the quantity of people looking for support for addiction, featuring a higher proportion of females.

Important Research Results

• 10% worry that themselves overconsume alcohol and one in twenty that themselves overuse substances.
• One in four are anxious that a spouse, relative, or close person drinks too much.
• One in six worry about a close person's reliance on substances.
• Households that earn more than 50k a year are three times more prone to have an individual with an substance issue.

Multi-generational Dependency

In addition, a seventh of those surveyed reported that addiction had affected more than one generation of their family. Specialists suggested that genetics might help to explain that, and certain individuals may be imitating the habits of either or both of their parents.

A program called End the Cycle is being launched to highlight how prevalent multi-generational dependency has become.

Official Reaction

An official for the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Care commented that they were restructuring National Health Service drug and alcohol support systems in the country after a long period of underfunding.

"Authorities have provided an extra 310 million pounds in 2025-26 to enhance drug and alcohol treatment services and assistance programs in the country, alongside the national budget. The strategy for change will redirect medical care towards early action, featuring through timely support, to help people to extend lifespan, improved lifestyles across the United Kingdom," they said.