Opiate addiction in the UK
Opiate Facts, Figures, and Statistics
Opiates, encompassing both prescription opioids and illegal drugs like heroin, are potent substances with a high potential for addiction. Their widespread misuse has led to significant health and societal issues in the UK, with the impact being felt across all age groups and demographics.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of opiate statistics, detailing facts, usage patterns, health effects, addiction, treatment success rates, and the social and economic impacts.
What are opiates?
Opiates are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or synthetic analogues that mimic the effects of natural opium. They include prescription painkillers like morphine, codeine, and oxycodone, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin.
While effective for pain management, these substances are highly addictive and can lead to severe health complications and even death when misused.
Did you know?
INTERESTING opiate FACTS
A history of opiate use
The earliest prescriptions of opium, dating back 8,000 years on Sumerian clay tablets, mark the beginning of its long history as a widely accepted remedy across civilizations—from the ancient Greeks, Indians, Chinese, Egyptians, and Romans, to Arabs, mediaeval peoples, and Europeans through the Renaissance to the present—regarded as a universal cure for various ailments. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, they were commonly prescribed for pain relief and other conditions.
However, as the addictive nature of opiates became clear, their use became more regulated. Despite these efforts, the misuse of both prescription and illegal opiates has surged, leading to what is often referred to as the “opioid epidemic.”
What makes opiates addictive?
Opiates are highly addictive due to their interaction with the brain’s reward system. They bind to opioid receptors, triggering the release of large amounts of dopamine, which produces intense feelings of pleasure and pain relief. Over time, the brain’s natural production of dopamine is diminished, leading to tolerance, dependence, and a cycle of addiction.
OPIATE USE IN NUMBERS
Opiate statistics in the UK
Opiate use in the UK
Among those using opiates in the UK, a significant number engage in injecting drug use, which significantly increases the risks of infections and other health complications.
Treatment
Between April 2022 and March 2023, approximately 138,600 people in the UK were in treatment for opiate use. This group represents nearly half (48%) of all individuals in contact with drug and alcohol services during this period.
Age group usage
The highest rates of opiate misuse causing death are seen in individuals aged 40-49.
Regional differences
The North East of England, reports a higher rate of drug misuse deaths, compared to much lower rates in other regions.
Tolerance
Tolerance develops quickly with opiates, meaning users often need increasing doses to achieve the same effects, which significantly heightens the risk of overdose
Potential drivers to addiction
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and exposure to drugs in one's community play a major role in the likelihood of developing an opiate addiction.
Managing withdrawl
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose if administered in time, and its availability has become a critical tool in reducing opiate-related deaths.
The risks of overdose
Opiate overdoses are often fatal due to respiratory depression, especially when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, making it crucial to address polydrug use in treatment.
Health Impact
Approximately half of all drug poisoning deaths registered involved opiates.
Opiate addiction is often driven by a combination of socioeconomic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities, which can lead to stress and substance use as a coping mechanism.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
How does opiate affect health?
Short term effects
Pain relief and euphoria
Drowsiness and sedation
Nausea and vomiting
Respiratory depression, which can be fatal
Long term effects
Chronic constipation and gastrointestinal issues
Increased risk of infections, especially in those who inject opiates
Severe dependence and addiction
Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety
Can you overdose on opiates?
Opiate overdose can be devastating, as the statistics show us. Overdose occurs when the drug significantly depresses the central nervous system, leading to respiratory failure, unconsciousness, and death if not treated promptly. The presence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is far more potent than heroin, has exacerbated the risk of overdose in recent years.
Opiate overdose symptoms include:
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Inability to wake up or respond
These symptoms can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
GETTING HELP
Can opiate addiction be treated?
Yes, a lifetime of sobriety is possible for anyone struggling with opioid addiction.
While these opiate stats are devastating, there is always hope through recovery. At Providence Projects, we offer a comprehensive approach in an idyllic location that includes medically supervised detoxification, behavioural therapies, and ongoing support to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.
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Resources and support for opiate addiction
NHS Drug Addiction Helpline
The NHS Drug Addiction Helpline offers confidential advice and information about local drug treatment services across the UK, guiding individuals toward recovery.
- Phone: 0300 123 6600
Frank
Frank provides confidential advice and information about drugs, including opiates, available 24/7. It offers support for individuals struggling with addiction and their families.
Narcotics Anonymous UK
UKNA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences to help each other recover from addiction to narcotics, including opiates. With over 1600 weekly meetings across the UK, you’ll experience a community with the shared motive of to stop using drugs.
Adfam
Adfam is a UK-based charity that focuses on improving the lives of families affected by drug, alcohol, and gambling issues. It provides support, information, and advocacy to help families cope with the challenges of addiction and works to influence national policy to better address their needs.
Families Anonymous
Families Anonymous is a UK-based support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems of a loved one. The organisation provides a supportive environment through regular meetings and resources, helping members share their experiences and find ways to cope with the challenges of addiction in the family.
Take the first step towards a life free from opiate addicition
You don’t have to face opiate addiction alone. We’re here to provide the support, care, and tools you need to reclaim your life. Our expert team is ready to help you every step of the way, from initial assessment to aftercare.
