Top 5 most abused drugs in the UK

Substance abuse is a crisis impacting thousands across the UK. Drug abuse often starts off subtly before silently and rapidly spiralling into a full-blown addiction. Drug use statistics published by the Office for National Statistics highlight growing drug challenges for the nation.

We’ll highlight the five most commonly abused drugs using the latest data. We strive to provide insights into the effects and dangers of each drug and help you identify signs of addiction in yourself and others.

What are the most commonly abused drugs in the UK?

Substance misuse and abuse in the UK involves a broad range of drugs. While drug use patterns can shift with new social influences and international supply chains, some substances consistently top the list of misuse in the UK.

Outlined below are the five most frequently abused illegal substances, highlighting why each one is so frequently abused and the dangers each one carries.

1. Cannabis

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in England and Wales. The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics show that 7.6% of people aged 16 to 59 used the drug in the past year (around 2.5 million people).

Cannabis is more popular among young adults, with 15.4% reporting using cannabis in the past year. Its potentiality for addiction-forming is still seen as very high. Research shows that people who use cannabis before 18 years old are 4 – 7 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder.

Effects of cannabis:

People who smoke cannabis experience long and short-term effects. Short-term effects include relaxation, altered perceptions and euphoria. Others may experience anxiety, paranoia and memory impairment, at higher doses.

Risks involved with cannabis use:

Regular cannabis use can lead to dependence, with up to 10% of cannabis users developing a cannabis use disorder (CUD). Long-term risks include increased susceptibility to mental health issues, as well as the potential for psychotic episodes.

1. Powder cocaine

Powdered cocaine remains one of the most commonly abused drugs in the UK. Recent data from the ONS shows 2.4% of adults aged 16 to 60 used it within the past year. There was a higher prevalence among younger people, with 5.1% of those between 16 and 24 using in the past year.

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that can come in “powder” and “crack” cocaine forms. Both forms are made from the dried leaves of cocoa plants, native to South America.  Powder cocaine is usually snorted, whereas crack cocaine is a solidified substance that is smoked and inhaled.

Effects of cocaine:

Powdered cocaine is a stimulant that rapidly increases energy in the user. Under the effects of cocaine, people usually report higher confidence and alertness, with a sudden surge in the neurochemical dopamine. These effects are short-lived, with the high lasting around an hour. People report “crashing” the following day, flooded with feelings of depression, fatigue and anxiety.

Risks of using cocaine:

Powder cocaine is seen as less dangerous than crack form, yet still carries life-threatening health risks. These can include:

• A raised heart rate
• Seizures, fits and heart attacks
• Mental health issues (anxiety, paranoia)
• High risk of addiction

3) MDMA

MDMA, often known as ecstasy or “Molly,” is a synthetic substance widely used in social settings like festivals, nightclubs and raves. As of March 2023, around 0.7% of people in the UK reported using in the past year.  Again, younger age groups reported higher usage, with 1.1% of young adults using the year prior. It is usually sold in pill form or in a capsule, though it can also come in powder or crystal form.

Effects of MDMA:

MDMA or ecstasy is still commonly seen as a “party drug” and so is frequently taken in social settings. It causes the body’s central nervous system to speed up, with effects usually being felt within 60 minutes. Sometimes, a person might think the first pill or cap they took isn’t working and take more, which is extremely dangerous.

MDMA is known for its stimulant and empathogenic effects. This means you’re likely to feel more energetic and alert, as well as an increased sense of well-being, emotional warmth and openness toward others. However, MDMA effects also include increased body temperature, dehydration and potential psychological aftereffects like anxiety and depression in the days following use.

Risks of using MDMA:

The negative health effects of taking MDMA include higher blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and involuntary jaw clenching. Studies have shown that regular MDMA use can cause poor sleep, loss of appetite, depression, paranoia and memory or attention problems.

4) Ketamine

The latest data reports show ketamine use is on the rise in the UK, especially among younger people. In the year ending March 2023, approximately 3.8% of all people aged 16 to 24 had used it in the previous year. Ireland, too, has seen a rise in ketamine use, with over 500 treatment admissions in the past five years.

Effects of ketamine:

Originally developed as an anaesthetic, ketamine produces strong dissociative effects. It was extensively used for surgical anaesthesia in the Vietnam War, with users experiencing numbness, hallucinations and a sense of bodily detachment. Its effects are sometimes described as dream-like and can inflict profound psychological reactions, leading some to a bleak and confusing “K-Hole”.

Risks of ketamine use:

Regular ketamine users run significant health risks. Prolonged use leads to “ketamine bladder syndrome”, causing devastating bladder cists and urinary tract issues. Long-term effects of cognitive impairments and memory problems await persistent users, and ketamine can be highly addictive.

5) Amphetamines

The general trend of amphetamine use in the UK remains lower than other substances, yet significant concerns persist. Recent data shows that usage among young adults has decreased, yet there was a sharp increase in the amount of police seizures of amphetamine supplies. Year ending March 2023, UK police forces seized a total of 331kg of amphetamines, a 36% increase on the year before. This could reflect increased demand despite the lower use trend.

Effects of amphetamines:

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, so they speed up the working of your brain and your central nervous system. Some of the immediate effects of amphetamines include:

• Increased heart rate and breathing
• Happiness and confidence
• Alertness, being talkative and restless
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating, dry mouth and jaw clenching
• Nosebleeds and damage to nasal passages (from snorting)

Risks when using amphetamines:

Amphetamine stimulants have a damaging effect on the brain. Dopamine levels can create mood swings. They can harm the body in many ways. The heart is majorly affected, with increased and irregular heartbeats and higher blood pressure. Long-term risks include memory loss, problems thinking clearly and the chance of stroke.

What are some common signs of drug addiction to look out for?

We’ve highlighted 5 of the most commonly abused drugs in the United Kingdom. As habits and addictions form, you might wonder if there are signs that a friend or loved one is suffering from a drug addiction. Addiction to different substances and substance misuse can share common behaviours and traits to watch out for, such as:

• The person in question is taking the drug after it’s no longer needed for a health problem.
• Profoundly negative outlook in the days after taking the substance. Shakiness, depression, constant headaches.
• Needing more of a substance to reach the same outcome (known as “tolerance”)
• Loss of interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed
• Socialising with new people who abuse drugs or drink to excess
• Taking part in risky behaviours, such as drunk driving
• Expressing persistent sleep problems
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Complete withdrawal from social groups when not taking drugs or drinking

Recognising these signs at the right time might be the difference between life and death for a loved one.

Where can I get help for an addiction?

If any of the points raised today have affected you or a loved one, we want you to know that help is available. National trends for drug consumption may ebb and flow, but our support for you remains unwavering.

Here at UKAT, we specialise in detox programmes for complete recovery. Our expert staff deliver detox, therapy and aftercare programmes to help you navigate the path to a healthier, substance-free life.

We are only one mouse click or one phone call away. Reach out to us today to help you on your journey to lifelong sobriety.