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Addiction is a serious disorder that can affect any individual – no matter who they are or where they come from.
However, no two individuals will experience addiction in the same ways; there are many different effects to both an individual’s physical and mental health that can occur depending on the type of substance that the individual is addicted to, as well as the history of this addiction.
Though many studies have often found links between the prevalence of addiction and location/geography (1), this is still very much an ongoing study, meaning that location may or may not be a factor in increasing the likelihood of an individual developing an addiction.
This article will focus on addiction within London but is by no means ‘blaming’ this area of the world for the prevalence of addiction and is instead highlighting some of the key factors that are associated with addiction in regard to London.
Addiction in London – what are the statistics?
London is often considered to be a hotspot for drug use and other behaviours involved in drug taking, selling, and other illicit behaviours. In part, this is due to the size and population of the city, but there are also many additional factors.
The UK itself, for example, has a high rate of drug-taking behaviours when compared to other areas of the world.
In the 12 months prior to March 2024, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that 8.8% of individuals aged between 16 and 59 years reported using any drug (2). Though this is not an increase from the previous years, it does suggest that a relatively large proportion of the UK’s population is engaging in these forms of behaviour.
Why do people in London struggle with addiction?
Specifically in London, there are many reasons why an individual may turn to addiction after engaging in drug-taking behaviours over a long period of time or on a regular basis.
This is due to the unique challenges that living in or around London presents, as well as features of and the environment around London – both physically and politically.
The following subheadings outline some of these key features, as well as describing in further detail how they may cause someone to develop an addiction or cause the worsening of an existing addiction.
1. Cost of living
Though there is evidence of the rising cost of living all across the UK, London is renowned for its expensive ways of life, as well as difficulties in accessing support for these issues.
The cost-of-living crisis refers to the rising cost of everyday essentials including necessary shops, bills, and different types of care, without the rising of the living wage to match this.
This means that many individuals are currently struggling financially or are unable to afford the same essentials as before.
As well as the additional stress that this may place on an individual who has dependents, it may also cause additional mental health struggles and issues in a number of other people who are affected.
To cope with the rising stresses caused by this phenomena, an individual may turn to substance abuse as a method of coping or in order to ‘benefit’ their lifestyle in the short-term, with little regard for the long-term consequences.
2. Social situations
London is also renowned for its ‘party’ culture, seemingly endless choices of bars and restaurants, as well as a strong belief in having a ‘night out’.
Whether this is with family, colleagues, or friends, it can lead to issues for some specific individuals.
For example, if an individual begins going out with friends or colleagues for weekly (or more regular) social events at bars, clubs, or other establishments, then they may be offered substances that they have never had before.
This may then lead to an increased urge to partake in these drug-taking behaviours outside of the social situation, meaning that the individual has developed an addiction to the substance and no longer requires others around them to pressure and/or encourage them to take these substances.
3. Noise and/or light pollution
Known as one of the loudest and lightest cities in the world, London has a bustling environment that is not suitable for every individual who passes through the city.
Problems with both noise and light can cause an individual to experience more stress than is usual or necessary, sometimes leading to an increased need to ‘cope’ with these effects.
In turn, this may begin to impact the individual’s sleep schedule, meaning that they become increasingly tired and run-down when attending to other aspects of their life.
In some cases, individuals may turn to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, or other substances to aid their sleep and struggles with getting enough rest.
Support for addiction in London
As with most areas across the UK, getting help and support for an addiction in London is never as hard as many individuals may believe that it is.
There are many different options for care, depending on the needs of every specific individual, but these can be discussed and ruled out as appropriate through suitable contact with a medical professional or addiction advice officer.
In all cases of addiction, it is recommended that individuals contact a medical professional in order to get the most suitable advice for their individual case.
This means that the individual will also be supervised and support throughout the course of their addiction recovery and treatment – often referred to as rehabilitation.
The following headings outline the two key forms of rehabilitation: inpatient and outpatient care.
Inpatient care options
Inpatient care is generally recommended for all individuals who are struggling with an addiction.
This is because it is the most suitable form of care that supports individuals with all aspects of their recovery programme. For example, individuals will be residing in a dedicated centre while undergoing care, meaning that they have access to support all around the clock, no matter the issue.
Full-time care is always recommended for addictions to substances such as alcohol and heroin, but it should always be considered for other types of addition, too.
Outpatient care options
Outpatient rehabilitation is less recommended to individuals struggling with addiction due to the less supported nature of this form of care.
Generally, outpatient care refers to support and treatment that an individual accesses while continuing to reside at home or outside of a residential treatment centre. This means that care is far more part-time, and individuals will have less access to emergency support and care should they need it.
Although outpatient care may be recommended to some individuals with minor addictions to substances such as cannabis, no individual should progress with this form of rehabilitation (or any other form) without discussing their options with a medical professional.
Support groups and group therapy
As part of alcohol addiction treatment in London, individuals in London are often overloaded with options to join support groups in order to add to their recovery programme.
During group therapy and support groups, individuals will have the opportunity to speak to others about their experiences, learn from others, and learn new skills and techniques to overcome the effects of their addiction.
This is a highly recommended form of therapy found in both inpatient and outpatient care that is suitable for many different individuals, cases, and needs of rehabilitative care.
Getting further support and advice in London
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, finding help can start today by contacting local health services, advice bureaus, and professional addiction referral services.
Start the search today and learn more about your options; addiction is a disorder that can exponentially worsen if left untreated over a period of time, meaning that getting help sooner rather than later is always recommended.
References
[1] McLafferty, S., 2008. Placing substance abuse: Geographical perspectives on substance use and addiction. In Geography and drug addiction (pp. 1-16). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
[2] Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2024; 12 December 2024; https:///www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2024
