One in four UK residents fear a loved one drinks excessively as addiction concerns rise

Published: 06 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk, English Chronicle Online.

A recent survey has revealed a troubling reality for millions of households across the United Kingdom: one in four people are worried that a partner, family member, or close friend is drinking too much, while one in six express concern that someone they care about may be using illegal drugs excessively. The findings, derived from a representative survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by the Priory group of clinics and conducted by Censuswide, highlight what experts increasingly describe as a growing epidemic of substance use and addiction.

Official data from the NHS indicates that more than 310,000 people are treated annually in England for alcohol or drug-related problems, marking the highest number of cases since 2009-10. Alcohol-related deaths, in particular, have reached record levels, further underscoring the public health impact of substance misuse.

Dr Niall Campbell, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction and part of the Priory group, described the situation as a worsening epidemic. “The government may suggest that alcohol consumption is falling, but our clinical experience paints a very different picture. We have seen a 40% increase in people seeking help for addiction since 2019, with a notable rise in female patients,” he said. Campbell added that the issue extends beyond individuals, affecting families, friends, and communities across the country.

The survey results provide a detailed snapshot of public concern and personal experience with addiction. While 10% of respondents admitted they themselves worry about drinking too much, and 5% acknowledged concern about their own drug use, the broader impact on relationships is striking. Over a quarter (26%) are worried that a partner, relative, or close friend drinks excessively, while 16% are concerned about a loved one’s use of illegal substances such as cocaine or cannabis.

Socioeconomic factors also appear to influence patterns of substance misuse. The survey found that households earning more than £50,000 annually are three times more likely to contain someone struggling with an addiction problem. This may reflect complex social and environmental factors, including stress, lifestyle expectations, and social norms around alcohol consumption.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, emphasised that these figures, while alarming, were not surprising to experts in the field. “These results mirror our own research on alcohol-related harm across the drinking spectrum. It is a stark reminder of the ripple effect alcohol can have—not only on the individual but on family, friends, and wider social networks. With over 10 million people in the UK consuming more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week, it is evident that millions are struggling with the effects of someone else’s drinking, many of whom may not technically meet the criteria for addiction,” Piper explained.

The survey also revealed that addiction is not always confined to a single generation. Approximately one in seven respondents (15%) reported that substance misuse has affected multiple generations within their family. Dr Campbell suggested that genetics, alongside environmental factors, may contribute to this pattern. “Children often model the behaviour of their parents or close family members. Intergenerational patterns of addiction are more common than many realise, and breaking that cycle requires both awareness and intervention,” he said.

Recognising the urgent need for public education and early intervention, the Priory group is launching a campaign titled Break the Chain. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about intergenerational addiction, encouraging families and individuals to seek help before substance use becomes entrenched. The campaign also aims to destigmatise treatment, making it easier for people to access both private and NHS-funded support services.

Government authorities have also acknowledged the ongoing challenges within addiction services in the UK. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted efforts to rebuild NHS drug and alcohol treatment services after years of underinvestment. “The government inherited a system where patients had been let down by chronic underfunding in addiction services. Our focus is now on transforming care through increased funding, prevention, and early intervention,” the spokesperson said.

In 2025-26, the government has allocated an additional £310 million to enhance drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support across England. This funding complements the existing public health grant and is aimed at improving access to treatment, providing better recovery support, and ultimately helping people live longer and healthier lives. The emphasis on prevention and early intervention is central to the new strategy, aiming to identify and address issues before they escalate into chronic addiction.

Experts warn that the consequences of alcohol and drug misuse extend beyond immediate health concerns. Substance addiction is often associated with social isolation, financial strain, and mental health challenges. Children in households affected by addiction may face disrupted schooling, emotional distress, and exposure to risky behaviours. Communities also bear the burden through increased demand for healthcare, social services, and law enforcement resources.

Dr Campbell stressed the importance of societal awareness in addressing addiction: “It is crucial for the public to recognise the signs of harmful alcohol or drug use, not just in themselves but among those around them. Support networks, early intervention, and access to professional help can make a significant difference in preventing the escalation of substance misuse.”

Alcohol Change UK has echoed these concerns, emphasising that alcohol-related harm often extends beyond what is formally classified as addiction. “Even moderate but risky drinking can have serious consequences, including health complications, relationship strain, and reduced quality of life,” Dr Piper said. He also highlighted the need for policies that encourage safer drinking habits, public education, and greater support for families affected by alcohol misuse.

The survey’s findings point to a growing awareness among the public of the impact of substance misuse. People are increasingly recognising the need to support loved ones while also protecting their own health and wellbeing. This shift in public consciousness is critical, as addiction continues to pose significant challenges for healthcare systems, policymakers, and society as a whole.

The Priory group’s Break the Chain campaign seeks to address this challenge by offering guidance, resources, and treatment options to those affected. Early intervention, combined with community support and professional treatment, is seen as key to reducing the prevalence of addiction and mitigating its long-term consequences.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Social Care continues to stress the importance of structural investment and policy reforms. By strengthening NHS services, expanding access to counselling and rehabilitation programs, and fostering preventive strategies, the government aims to reduce both the incidence and impact of substance misuse across England.

As the survey demonstrates, addiction is a widespread issue that affects millions of people in the UK, either directly or indirectly. One in four individuals fear a loved one is drinking too much, while one in six are concerned about drug use. These figures underscore the need for sustained public health initiatives, effective treatment options, and ongoing societal awareness to address this growing epidemic.

The combination of public concern, expert insight, and government action highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling addiction in the UK. From raising awareness and breaking intergenerational cycles to improving NHS services and providing targeted funding, stakeholders are working to ensure that individuals and families affected by alcohol or drug misuse receive the support they need.

With addiction rates and alcohol-related deaths continuing to rise, these initiatives represent a critical step toward mitigating the impact of substance misuse and helping millions of people lead healthier, more secure lives. As campaigns such as Break the Chain gain momentum, there is hope that increased awareness, intervention, and treatment can begin to reverse the trends that have challenged the UK for years.