Addiction in the UK
Substance use remains a significant public health issue across the UK. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, around 8.7% of people aged 16–59 in England and Wales—approximately 2.9 million people—reported using an illicit drug in the previous year. Among 16–24-year-olds, this rises to 15.1%, highlighting that young adults remain one of the groups most likely to report drug use.
Government data also shows that more than 16,000 children and young people under 18 accessed specialist alcohol and drug treatment services in England during 2024–2025, with cannabis remaining the most common substance people sought help for.
While these figures can feel concerning, they also reinforce an important message: families are not alone, and support is available.
Looking beyond the addiction
Addiction rarely develops in isolation. For many young people, substances become a way of coping with something deeper.
These underlying factors may include:
- Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
- Depression or persistent low mood
- Trauma or adverse life experiences
- Loneliness or social isolation
- Academic pressure
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulties with emotional regulation
- Neurodiversity
- Feeling disconnected or misunderstood
Understanding what sits beneath the behaviour is often more helpful than focusing solely on the substance itself.
Signs parents should be aware of
Every young person is different, but some common changes that may indicate a concern include:
- Increased secrecy or withdrawal
- Sudden changes in friendship groups
- Declining engagement with school, college or work
- Mood swings or irritability
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Unexplained spending or requests for money
- Noticeable changes in motivation or behaviour
While these signs do not automatically mean a young person is experiencing addiction, they may indicate that they are struggling and would benefit from support.
How parents can respond
If you’re worried about your young person, try to approach the conversation with calmness and curiosity rather than judgement.
Choose a quiet moment to talk and begin with simple observations such as, “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately,” or “I’ve noticed a few changes, and I wanted to check in with you.”
Listen carefully and avoid rushing to provide solutions. Sometimes, feeling heard is the first step towards a young person opening up about what they’re experiencing.
Maintaining consistent routines, healthy boundaries and regular opportunities to connect can also help create a sense of stability during uncertain times.
If substance use is becoming more frequent or is affecting daily life, education or relationships, seeking advice from an appropriate healthcare professional is an important next step.
Recovery starts with understanding
Recovery is rarely a straight line, and meaningful change takes time. Young people are more likely to engage positively when they feel supported rather than judged.
At Lions Campus, we recognise that substance use is often connected to wider emotional, behavioural and wellbeing challenges. Our structured residential and day programmes provide opportunities for young people to engage in mentoring, life skills development, facilitated reflective sessions and wellbeing-focused activities alongside any external professional support they may already be receiving.
For families, one of the most important things to remember is this: addiction is often a sign that a young person is struggling to cope—not that they have stopped caring. By responding with compassion, maintaining open communication and seeking support when needed, parents can play a vital role in helping their young person move towards a healthier, more hopeful future.
