Substance misuse and addiction is a significant public health issue across the UK.
UK substance misuse: what the date says
According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, roughly 2.9 million people (around 8.7% of people aged 16–59 in England and Wales) reported using an illicit drug in the previous year. And, 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. Cannabis remains the most common substance people sought help for.
Government data also shows that over 16,000 children and young people (deemed as those under 18-years old) accessed specialist alcohol and drug treatment services in England during 2024–2025.
But, while these figures are concerning, they also reinforce an important message: families are not alone, and support is available.
How to spot the signs of substance misuse
Substance addiction rarely develops in isolation. For many young people, substances become a way of coping with something deeper, including things like:
- Anxiety or feeling emotionally overwhelmed
- 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
Looking out for these and understanding what might be causing the behaviour is often more helpful than focusing solely on the substance itself.
8 signs to be aware of
Every young person is different, but some common changes that may indicate a cause for 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 don’t automatically mean a young person is misusing substances or experiencing addiction, they may indicate that they are struggling and would benefit from some additional support.
What to do if you’re worried about substance misuse
If you’re worried someone is struggling and misusing substances, 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 someone feeling able to open up about what they’re experiencing and feeling.
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.
The most important thing you can do to help
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’ve stopped caring.
By responding with compassion, maintaining open communication and seeking support when needed, you can play a vital role in helping someone move towards a healthier, more hopeful future.
And remember, if you need any support, we’re here to help.
