While most would be shocked to learn that half the adults in England and Wales have experimented with illegal drugs, the latest statistics reveal a complex national picture of use, trends, and troubling consequences.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022/23, 2.7 million adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales had taken an illegal drug in the last year, equating to 8.4% prevalence rate.
- Lifetime drug use among adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales stood at 50.2% in 2022/23, with over 16 million people having ever tried an illegal drug.
- In 2022/23, the prevalence of last year drug use among 16-24 year olds in England and Wales was 18.8%, compared to 7.3% for 25-59 year olds.
- Males aged 16-24 had 22.3% last year drug use rate in CSEW 2022/23.
- Females aged 16-24 showed 15.2% last year drug use prevalence in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Among 25-34 year old males, cocaine powder use last year was 6.8% in 2022/23 CSEW.
- Powder cocaine was used in the last year by 4.2% of 16-24 year olds in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Cannabis remains the most prevalent drug with 2.3 million past year users aged 16-59 in 2022/23 CSEW.
- Crack cocaine last year prevalence was 0.3% among 16-59s, but 0.03% overall in England/Wales 2022/23.
- In 2022/23, there were 82,190 adults in treatment for drug misuse in England, a 5% increase from prior year.
- Drug-related deaths in England and Wales reached 4,907 in 2022, mostly opioids at 73%.
- Overdose deaths involving cocaine rose 30% to 1,466 in 2022 UK-wide.
- In 2022/23, Class A drug possession arrests were 56,000 in England/Wales.
- Drug supply offences: 24,300 arrests in year ending March 2023 England/Wales.
- Last year drug use prevalence increased 16% from 2021/22 to 2022/23 CSEW.
UK drug use is prevalent, widespread, and notably higher among the young and in urban areas.
Demographic Variations
- Males aged 16-24 had 22.3% last year drug use rate in CSEW 2022/23.
- Females aged 16-24 showed 15.2% last year drug use prevalence in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Among 25-34 year old males, cocaine powder use last year was 6.8% in 2022/23 CSEW.
- Black ethnic group had 12.4% last year drug use vs 8.1% White in CSEW 2022/23.
- Asian adults 16-59 had 5.3% last year prevalence in England/Wales 2022/23.
- Unemployed males 16-59: 18.7% last year drug use in CSEW 2022/23.
- Full-time students aged 16-24: 24.1% cannabis last year use in 2022/23.
- London males 16-24: 25.6% last year drug use prevalence CSEW 2022/23.
- Females over 35 had 4.2% last year use vs 9.1% males in same age group 2022/23.
- In Scotland, 16-24 males had 21.3% past year drug use in 2019/20 SCJS.
- NI 15-34 year olds: 11.2% past year use, higher in males at 13.8% in 2019/20.
- Socioeconomic gradient: Routine/manual workers 11.3% vs managerial 5.9% last year use CSEW 2022/23.
- LGBT+ adults reported 20.4% last year drug use vs 7.9% heterosexuals in integrated UK surveys 2021.
- Single/never married 16-59s: 12.6% prevalence vs 5.4% married CSEW 2022/23.
- In North West England, 16-24 females: 17.8% last year use 2022/23.
- Mixed ethnicity group: 14.7% last year drug use among 16-59s CSEW 2022/23.
- Over 60s in UK: lifetime use around 20%, but past year <1% per ONS 2020 data.
- Disabled adults: 9.8% last year use vs 8.0% non-disabled CSEW 2022/23.
- University graduates: 6.5% last year use vs 10.2% no qualifications 16-59s 2022/23.
- Yorkshire males 35-59: 6.4% cocaine use last year CSEW 2022/23.
- In Wales, 16-24 females: 16.5% prevalence 2022/23 CSEW.
- Low income households (<£10k): 13.2% drug use vs high income 6.1% CSEW 2022/23.
- Widowed/divorced: 7.9% last year use higher than average CSEW 2022/23.
- East Midlands 16-24 males: 23.1% last year use 2022/23.
- Cannabis last year use among 16-59 males was 8.2% vs 5.1% females in CSEW 2022/23.
Demographic Variations Interpretation
Despite efforts to level the playing field, the statistics reveal a stubbornly uneven one, where your likelihood of using drugs is still largely telegraphed by your age, gender, paycheck, and postcode.
Drug-Specific Usage
- Powder cocaine was used in the last year by 4.2% of 16-24 year olds in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Cannabis remains the most prevalent drug with 2.3 million past year users aged 16-59 in 2022/23 CSEW.
- Crack cocaine last year prevalence was 0.3% among 16-59s, but 0.03% overall in England/Wales 2022/23.
- Heroin use in last year: 0.2% of adults 16-59 in CSEW 2022/23.
- Ecstasy/MDMA last year use: 0.9% for 16-59s, peaking at 3.2% for 16-24s in 2022/23.
- Ketamine last year use rose to 1.0% among 16-59s in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Cocaine powder frequency: 1 in 5 users consumed 20+ times last year CSEW 2022/23.
- Methamphetamine use remains very low at <0.1% last year prevalence in UK surveys.
- Magic mushrooms/psilocybin last year use: 0.2% of 16-59s CSEW 2022/23.
- Benzodiazepines misuse (non-medical) last year: 1.3% among adults 16-59 2022/23.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) use reported by 7.7% of 16-24s in last year 2022/23 CSEW.
- In Scotland, cannabis past year use 9.8% adults 16+ in 2019/20 SCJS.
- NI cocaine powder past year 2.1% for 15-64s in 2019/20 survey.
- Opioid misuse (heroin/other) 0.8% lifetime high but 0.1% past year UK average.
- Synthetic cannabinoids (spice) use declined to 0.4% last year CSEW 2022/23.
- Amphetamines last year use 0.8% for 16-59s, mostly speed not meth CSEW 2022/23.
- GHB/GBL last year prevalence 0.1% among general population 16-59s 2022/23.
- Poppers (amyl nitrite) reported by 1.2% last year, often with other drugs CSEW.
- Hallucinogens other than LSD/ecstasy: 0.4% last year use 2022/23 CSEW.
- Anabolic steroids non-medical use: 0.5% past year among males 16-59 CSEW 2022/23.
- Prescription painkillers misuse last year 1.1% of adults 16-59 CSEW 2022/23.
- Solvents/glue sniffing past year 0.2% mainly young adults CSEW 2022/23.
- Mephedrone last year use 0.3% steady since 2010s CSEW 2022/23.
- 4-FA or other research chemicals <0.1% but emerging in club scenes UK 2022.
Drug-Specific Usage Interpretation
While cannabis clings to its title as the nation's favourite illicit pastime, the data reveals a worrying shift towards a hedonistic buffet where the young are notably experimenting with cocaine's social sheen, ketamine's disassociation, and enough nitrous oxide to suggest a party scene desperately trying to laugh itself into oblivion.
Health Outcomes
- In 2022/23, there were 82,190 adults in treatment for drug misuse in England, a 5% increase from prior year.
- Drug-related deaths in England and Wales reached 4,907 in 2022, mostly opioids at 73%.
- Overdose deaths involving cocaine rose 30% to 1,466 in 2022 UK-wide.
- Hospital admissions for drug misuse: 27,756 in England 2021/22, up 4%.
- 19,300 under-25s in drug treatment in England 2022/23, mainly cannabis.
- Opioid users in treatment: 58% of total adult caseload in England 2022/23.
- Drug-induced mortality rate 7.5 per 100,000 population in Scotland 2022.
- NI drug misuse deaths: 118 in 2021, highest on record.
- 36% of dependent drinkers also opiate users in treatment data England 2022/23.
- Successful treatment completions: 32% for non-opioid drugs vs 16% opioids England 2022/23.
- Mental health co-morbidity in 62% of drug treatment clients England 2022/23.
- Hepatitis C prevalence among opioid treatment users ~25% in UK 2021.
- HIV diagnoses attributed to injecting drug use: 1% but stable in UK 2022.
- Emergency dept visits for drug poisoning: 24,000 annually England 2021/22.
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome cases: 1,400 babies affected yearly England.
- Psychosis hospital admissions linked to cannabis doubled since 2010 to 7,000/year England.
- 1 in 6 crack cocaine users homeless per treatment data England 2022/23.
- Waiting times for opioid treatment: median 13 days in England 2022/23.
- 75% of drug deaths involved illicit/novel opioids like fentanyl in 2022 ONS.
- Young people cannabis treatment referrals up 20% post-legalization debates 2022/23.
- Drug-related liver disease deaths: 1,200 annually UK, often polydrug.
Health Outcomes Interpretation
The UK's drug crisis paints a bleak picture of entangled epidemics, where rising treatment numbers are grimly outpaced by record deaths, and each statistic—from poisoned newborns to homeless cocaine users—reveals a complex tragedy of human suffering, mental anguish, and systemic failure.
Policy and Trends
- In 2022/23, Class A drug possession arrests were 56,000 in England/Wales.
- Drug supply offences: 24,300 arrests in year ending March 2023 England/Wales.
- Last year drug use prevalence increased 16% from 2021/22 to 2022/23 CSEW.
- Cocaine powder use up 35% since 2012/13 to highest levels in CSEW history 2022/23.
- Overall prevalence stable around 8-9% since 2016 but post-COVID rebound.
- Nitrous oxide criminalized in 2023 after 10% youth use peak in 2019/20.
- Adults in treatment stable at ~80k since 2015, but opioid fraction rising.
- Drug seizure value: £3.2 billion in 2022 by UK Border Force.
- Police drug testing at roadside: 6% positive in pilots 2022 England.
- County lines operations dismantled 1,200 in 2022/23, arresting 5,500.
- Fentanyl detections rare but increasing in wastewater analysis UK 2023.
- Cannabis use steady at ~7% last year since 2000s, despite potency rise.
- Novel drugs monitored: 50 new substances notified EMCDDA UK 2022.
- Treatment waiting lists grew 10% in 2022 amid funding pressures.
- Drug harm index shows cocaine now higher harm than heroin per 2021 study.
- Youth prevalence down 50% since 2000 peak to 18% in 2022/23.
- Opiate prescribing down 20% since 2015 amid opioid crisis response.
- Wastewater cocaine levels up 50% since 2016 in major UK cities.
- Prison drug testing: 15% positive Class A in 2022 England/Wales.
- Harm reduction: 45,000 needle exchange packs issued weekly UK.
Policy and Trends Interpretation
The statistics paint a bleakly comic picture of a nation where the authorities are feverishly chasing 56,000 users and seizing billions, yet cocaine consumption hits historic highs, suggesting the war on drugs is less a battle and more a tragically expensive game of whack-a-mole with an ever-multiplying mole.
Prevalence Rates
- In 2022/23, 2.7 million adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales had taken an illegal drug in the last year, equating to 8.4% prevalence rate.
- Lifetime drug use among adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales stood at 50.2% in 2022/23, with over 16 million people having ever tried an illegal drug.
- In 2022/23, the prevalence of last year drug use among 16-24 year olds in England and Wales was 18.8%, compared to 7.3% for 25-59 year olds.
- Powder cocaine last year use prevalence was 2.9% among adults 16-59 in England and Wales in 2022/23, the highest since 2008/09.
- Cannabis was the most commonly used drug in the last year by 6.6% of adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales in 2022/23.
- In Scotland, 12.5% of adults aged 16+ reported drug use in the past year according to the 2019/20 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.
- Northern Ireland's 2019/20 Drug Prevalence Survey indicated 6.4% past year drug use among 15-64 year olds.
- UK-wide estimates suggest around 3.2 million people aged 16-59 used drugs in the last year as of 2021 data from multiple surveys.
- Household survey data from CSEW 2021/22 showed 7.8% last year prevalence for any drug use among 16-59s.
- Poly drug use in the last year affected 2.1% of adults 16-59 in England and Wales in 2022/23.
- Last month drug use prevalence was 3.5% among 16-59 year olds in England and Wales 2022/23.
- In 2020/21 CSEW, overall last year drug use dropped to 7.4% due to pandemic restrictions.
- 1.3% of adults 16-59 reported last year use of Class A drugs in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Frequency of use: 45% of last year cannabis users used on 20+ days in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Among frequent users, cocaine powder was used on 20+ days by 12% of its last year users in 2022/23 CSEW.
- Last year ecstasy use prevalence was 1.1% for 16-59s in England and Wales 2022/23.
- Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) last year use was 0.3% among adults 16-59 in 2022/23.
- In 2018/19, 9.6% of 16-59s in England and Wales reported last year drug use per CSEW.
- Regional variation: London had 11.2% last year drug use prevalence in 2022/23 CSEW.
- North East England reported 9.8% last year prevalence in CSEW 2022/23.
- In 2022, UK drug use prevalence among 16-24s was estimated at 19.8% by ONS integrating surveys.
- Lifetime prevalence of any illicit drug use among UK adults is approximately 45-50% based on 2020 meta-analysis.
- Past month use in England 2021 was 4.2% for 16+ population per integrated health survey.
- CSEW 2019/20 showed 9.4% last year use pre-pandemic.
- 2023 provisional data indicates rising trend back to 8.5% last year use in England/Wales.
- Among employed adults, 7.2% last year drug use vs 12.1% unemployed in CSEW 2022/23.
- Students had 15.4% last year drug use prevalence in 2022/23 CSEW data.
- In rural areas, drug use prevalence was 7.1% vs 9.2% urban in England/Wales 2022/23.
- 0.8% of 16-59s reported last year LSD use in England and Wales 2022/23.
Prevalence Rates Interpretation
Britain may still be a nation of tea-drinkers, but with half its adults having dabbled in drugs at some point and cocaine use at a fifteen-year high, it seems the after-work tipple is facing some serious competition.
Sources & References
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- Reference 5NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
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- Reference 7PUBLICHEALTHSCOTLANDpublichealthscotland.scotVisit source
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- Reference 9UKHSAukhsa.blog.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 10NPCCnpcc.police.ukVisit source
- Reference 11EMCDDAemcdda.europa.euVisit source