A dramatic surge in drug addiction across England is being directly blamed on the rise of highly potent cannabis, according to the most comprehensive NHS study of its kind.
Landmark Survey Reveals Addiction Crisis
The extensive Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, conducted every seven years, has uncovered a worrying picture of mental health and substance dependency in England. Based on interviews with nearly 7,000 adults, the 2023/24 data shows the proportion of people displaying signs of drug dependence has skyrocketed.
Addiction to cannabis has almost doubled in the past decade, jumping from 2.8% of adults in 2014 to 5.4% in 2023/24. Overall drug dependency, driven primarily by problematic cannabis use, rose from 3.8% to 6.7% over the same period. This means approximately one in every 15 people in England is now a drug addict, with the vast majority undiagnosed and receiving no professional support.
Potency, Not Prevalence, Drives Dependence
Experts analysing the data point to a crucial distinction. The increase in addiction is not due to more people using cannabis, but rather to the substance itself becoming stronger.
Professor Sally McManus, Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), stated: "We need to take heed of the near doubling this decade in the proportion of adults with signs of cannabis dependence. This is despite no similar rise in the proportion of adults using cannabis. The upward trend in signs of dependence may well reflect known increases in cannabis potency."
The survey also shed new light on the misuse of prescription opioids. It found that 3.2% of adults reported having used a non-prescribed opioid like fentanyl, morphine, or tramadol at some point in their lives, with the highest usage (4.5%) among 25 to 34 year-olds.
Treatment Gap and Autism Findings
A significant treatment gap was highlighted by the research. Only one in five people showing signs of drug dependence reported ever receiving support or treatment specifically for their drug use.
In contrast to the rising trend in drug addiction, the survey provided reassuring data on autism. It confirmed that the actual prevalence of autism in the adult population has remained stable at about one in 100 people since 2014. The recent surge in diagnoses is attributed to greater public awareness, improved assessment services, and expanding diagnostic criteria, rather than a true increase in cases.
Sarah Morris, Director at NatCen, summarised the study's importance: "This survey provides a uniquely detailed and long-term view of adult mental health in England. We're able to identify emerging challenges – like rising drug dependence – and confirm areas of stability, including the prevalence of autism."
The overall picture of mental health in England shows a growing challenge, with the proportion of 16 to 64 year olds with a common mental health condition increasing to more than one in five (22.6%) in 2023/24.
