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A recent survey involving 2,000 adults has found that one in four people in the UK worry that a partner, family member, or friend has a drinking problem. Additionally, one in six participants expressed concern about a close person's use of narcotics.

Increasing Dependency Crisis

The results seem to emphasize what many experts label a increasing "problem" of dependency to alcohol or drugs such as cocaine use and marijuana.

Official figures show that the NHS in the country is providing care for over three hundred ten thousand individuals each year for substance or drink problems – the largest number recorded since 2009-10. Alcohol-related deaths are at an all-time high.

"The issue of drink and substance misuse is escalating. Officials says we're reducing intake, but it's not apparent," noted a psychiatrist with expertise in dependency.

The clinic conducting the research has seen a significant jump over the past few years in the number of patients requesting assistance for dependency, including more women than men.

Important Research Data

• 10% worry that they have a drinking problem and 5% that themselves frequently take narcotics.
• Over a quarter are anxious that a spouse, relative, or close person has excessive alcohol intake.
• Around a sixth fear for a family member's use of narcotics.
• Families that make over 50k a year are thrice more inclined to contain a person with an dependency disorder.

Multi-generational Addiction

In addition, 15% of those surveyed indicated that dependency had affected multiple generations of their family. Professionals suggested that genetics might help to explain that, and certain individuals may be imitating the actions of one or both of their parents.

A campaign called End the Cycle is being launched to emphasize how common intergenerational addiction can be.

Government Reaction

An official for the Department of Health and Social Care commented that the department were revitalizing National Health Service drug and alcohol treatment services in the country after years of disregard.

"Authorities have allocated an further £310 million in 2025-26 to improve substance and drink care programs and assistance programs in the country, alongside the public health grant. This initiative for improvement will shift health services towards proactive measures, featuring through timely support, to help individuals to extend lifespan, improved well-being across the nation," the official stated.