A striking new survey has revealed that one in four people across the UK harbour family addiction concerns about a loved one’s drinking. The findings expose the widespread nature of substance worries affecting British households.

The representative poll of 2,000 adults found that 26% worry about a partner, relative or friend’s alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, 16% express concern about drug use in someone close to them. The research was commissioned by the Priory group and conducted by Censuswide.

These figures appear to confirm what experts have been warning about. A growing epidemic of addiction is spreading across the nation, affecting millions of families.

Record Treatment Numbers

Official NHS data paints an equally troubling picture. England’s health service now treats more than 310,000 people annually for drug or alcohol problems. This represents the highest figure since 2009-10. Alcohol-related deaths have reached an all-time high.

Dr Niall Campbell, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction at the Priory group, said the crisis is worsening. “The epidemic of alcohol and drug use is getting worse,” he explained. “The government says we’re drinking less, but I don’t see that.”

The Priory has witnessed a 40% surge since 2019 in people seeking help for addiction. Notably, more women than men are now requesting treatment.

Self-Awareness and Household Impact

The survey revealed additional troubling trends about family addiction concerns. One in ten respondents admitted they worry about their own drinking habits. A further 5% acknowledged using drugs too often.

Perhaps most striking is the socioeconomic dimension. Families earning more than £50,000 annually are three times more likely to contain someone with substance problems. This challenges assumptions that addiction issues primarily affect lower-income households.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said the findings mirror their own research. “Sadly these findings are not a surprise,” he noted. The statistics highlight the widespread nature of alcohol harm across the drinking spectrum.

The Ripple Effect

When someone struggles with substance use, the impact extends far beyond the individual. More than 10 million people in the UK exceed the recommended ‘low risk’ guidelines of 14 units weekly. With over a quarter experiencing family addiction concerns, millions are struggling with relatives’ consumption patterns.

Dr Piper emphasised that many of these cases sit outside the realm of clinical dependency. Yet they still cause significant distress and harm to those watching from the sidelines.

“It offers a stark reminder of the ripple effect of alcohol harm beyond individuals on those around them,” he said.

Generational Patterns

The survey uncovered another troubling dimension. One in seven respondents reported that substance problems had affected multiple generations of their family. This intergenerational pattern suggests complex factors at play.

Dr Campbell suggested genetics might partially explain this phenomenon. Some people may also be copying behaviours observed in one or both parents during childhood. Breaking these cycles requires recognising the patterns early.

The Priory is launching a campaign called Break the Chain. The initiative aims to highlight how common intergenerational addiction truly is across UK families.

Government Response

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the scale of the challenge. They stated the government is rebuilding NHS drug and alcohol treatment services after years of neglect.

“This government inherited a situation where patients had been let down by years of under-investment into addiction services,” the spokesperson said.

An additional £310 million has been allocated for 2025-26. The funds will improve drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England. This comes on top of the existing public health grant.

The government’s plan for change aims to shift healthcare towards prevention. Early intervention will support people to live longer, healthier lives across the UK.

A National Concern

The survey results demonstrate that family addiction concerns have become normalised across Britain. When a quarter of adults harbour these fears, it suggests a crisis touching virtually every community.

Understanding the warning signs remains crucial. Changes in behaviour, increased secrecy, financial problems, and neglecting responsibilities can all indicate developing issues.

Support systems must be strengthened to address both those struggling with substances and the families watching helplessly. The emotional toll on relatives and friends deserves greater recognition and resources.

As the data shows, this isn’t just about clinical dependency. Millions worry about loved ones’ drinking or drug use without problems meeting diagnostic thresholds. These concerns are valid and deserve attention before issues escalate further.

The growing number of people experiencing family addiction concerns reflects a broader crisis. Addressing this requires not only treating those with substance problems but supporting the millions of relatives living with daily worry and stress.

Souce: dbrecoveryresources