Substance misuse has risen by 50% among young people
The charity “The Mix” has reported that substance misuse among young people (aged 16–25) has increased by 50%. An estimated 2.6 million people across the UK used an illegal drug in the past year.
“The spike we have seen in the number of young people facing challenges with substance use in the past year is extremely worrying and we believe it’s also preventable. We urgently need to break the stigma attached to substance use to ensure no young person is afraid to reach out for help due to concerns about how they will be judged.”
The charity’s deputy chief executive Zoe Bailie
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Why has substance misuse increased?
Following the pandemic, huge pressure was put on healthcare professionals to cope with the demand for services. This survey suggests, however, that substance misuse has many causes.
The study also found that drug use patterns in young people had changed. With more young people trying a Class A drug when compared to 2021. The figures increased by 17% (equivalent to 1.3 million people) in the latest survey.
Has less support because of the pandemic meant people struggle with their addictions?
Reasons behind drug use in young people
The Mix’s research shows that fewer young people are currently using substances to have fun. Drug use to escape problems has had a sharp 75% increase, with 1 in 5 reporting doing it. This is a huge rise from 2021’s figures of 12%.
A similar number of young people use substances to help them cope with mental health issues or emotional distress.
How does drug use become a substance abuse problem?
The proportion of young substance users taking substances as a habit almost trebled from 5% in 2021 to 14% in 2022.
The Mix suggests that many more young people are forming addictions. The frequency of drug use has increased from 16% once a week in 2021 to 23% in 2022.
Increasing numbers of young people are developing addictions, with those taking substances as a habit nearly trebling.
How hair drug tests can be used to identify recreational use
The effect of rising substance misuse
The study shows worrying statistics, especially after official figures showed drug-related deaths in England and Wales have reached a record high. These deaths were driven primarily by opiates.
The study shows worrying statistics, especially after official figures showed drug-related deaths in England and Wales have reached a record high. These deaths were driven primarily by opiates.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2021 – an average of 84.4 deaths per million people.
With a rise in drug misuse, there’s a worry that some misusers could already be or become parents. This could lead to children being put at risk.
Can alcohol testing prevent child deaths?
How substance testing can be used in family court
A drug and alcohol test is beneficial if there are concerns about child safety due to suspicions of substance misuse.. Our drug and alcohol testing services are available using segmented hair analysis or blood alcohol testing.
Our thorough laboratory reports come with expert analysis to provide both a psychiatrist and biochemist review. This means that you will be able to provide a fuller picture in the family court.
More about drug and alcohol testing in child custody cases.
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