As we move into 2025, the landscape of drug and alcohol treatment continues to evolve, reflecting both ongoing challenges and new developments. Building on the insights from 2024, we see significant trends highlighting the progress and areas needing attention in substance misuse treatment.

Increasing Numbers in Treatment for Drugs and Alcohol Misuse

In 2024, the number of adults in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services rose to 310,863, a 7% increase from the previous year. This marks the most considerable rise in adults in treatment since 2008-2009 and the highest number since 2009-2010. This increase is a positive sign, indicating that more individuals seek and receive the help they need.

Substance Use Trends

The distribution of substance use among those in treatment has seen some shifts:

• Opiates: Just under half (44%) of adults in treatment were there for opiate problems, slightly down from 48% in 2023. Despite this decrease, opiates remain the largest substance group, with 137,965 people in treatment.

• Alcohol: The number of people in treatment for alcohol alone increased from 86,257 to 94,173, maintaining its position as the second largest group (30% of all adults in treatment).

• Non-opiates and Alcohol: There was a slight increase in the proportion of people in treatment for non-opiates and alcohol, reflecting a broader range of substance misuse issues being addressed.

New Entrants to Treatment

The number of new entrants to treatment also saw notable changes:

• Crack Cocaine: The proportion of adults entering treatment for crack cocaine use remained stable at 19%, with a slight decrease in those using crack with opiates and a slight increase in those using crack without opiates.

• Powder Cocaine: There was a two percentage point increase in adults starting treatment for powder cocaine problems, reaching the highest proportion since reporting began.

• Cannabis: The proportion of new entrants with cannabis problems remained stable, with a slight increase in the overall number.

• Benzodiazepines: The number of new entrants with benzodiazepine problems increased, although their proportion relative to all new entrants decreased slightly.

Housing and Support Services

For the first time, detailed information about the housing situation of people in treatment was recorded, highlighting the importance of stable housing in recovery. This data will help tailor support services better to meet the needs of those at risk of homelessness.

The trends in 2025 reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and accessible treatment services. The number of people seeking help is encouraging but also underscores the need for continued investment in and support for these vital services. As we look ahead, it is crucial to build on these trends and ensure that everyone who needs help can access practical and compassionate care.

At Evolve Recovery, we are committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. The trends highlighted in our latest blog, "Drug and Alcohol Treatment Trends: A Look at 2024/2025," underscore the importance of accessible and effective treatment services.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, don't wait to seek help. 

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. Contact Evolve Recovery today, and let us help you on your path to recovery.

Statistics from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2023-to-2024/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2023-to-2024-report