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Drug Misuse

What is drug misuse?

Drug misuse is using illegal drugs, or using prescription or over-the-counter medicines in a way that is harmful. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, addiction, money worries, relationship breakdown and legal trouble.

People use drugs for many reasons, including to relax, to fit in, to stay awake through long shifts, or to block out pain, stress or trauma. On site, drug use greatly increases the risk of serious accidents. Prescription painkillers after an injury can also become a problem over time.

What are the signs of drug misuse?

1. Behaviour:

  • Using more, or more often, than intended.
  • Finding it hard to stop or cut down.
  • Spending a lot of time and money getting or using drugs.
  • Missing work, or turning up unfit to work.
  • Secrecy, lying or borrowing money.

2. Physical signs:

  • Changes in sleep and appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Bloodshot eyes, or pupils that are unusually large or small.
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using.

3. Mental health:

  • Mood swings, anxiety, paranoia or depression.
  • In some cases, psychosis.

What are the statistics for drug misuse in the UK?

Deaths: More than 5,000 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2023, the highest number since records began in 1993.

Use: Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in the UK, followed by cocaine.

Mental health: Drug use and mental health problems often go together, and each can make the other worse.

Treatment: Treatment works. Local drug services offer free, confidential support, and many accept self-referrals.

Where to get help with drug misuse UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help, or if someone may have overdosed.

FRANK: Free, confidential advice about drugs.
Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24/7)
Text: 82111
Website: https://www.talktofrank.com/

Narcotics Anonymous:
Helpline: 0300 999 1212
Website: https://ukna.org/

Adfam: Support for families affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use.
Website: https://adfam.org.uk/

Your GP or local drug service: Search "drug and alcohol services" on the NHS website to find help near you.

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity:
Helpline: 0345 605 1956 (24/7)

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

Asking for help is not grassing on yourself. It's taking back control.

Addiction and substance use

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