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Cannabis Addiction Skyrockets in England
28 Nov
Summary
- Adult cannabis dependence nearly doubled from 2.8% to 5.4% between 2014 and 2023/24.
- Most drug addicts remain undiagnosed and untreated, a major NHS mental health survey found.
- Autism prevalence remains stable at 1% despite rising diagnoses, according to the study.
A significant NHS study on mental health in England has revealed a near doubling of cannabis addiction over the last decade. The proportion of adults exhibiting signs of cannabis dependence rose from 2.8% in 2014 to 5.4% in 2023/24. This surge is attributed to increased potency of cannabis.
Alarmingly, the majority of individuals displaying drug dependence symptoms have not received a professional diagnosis or treatment. Only one in five reported receiving any support for their drug use. The study also found that overall mental health conditions have increased, affecting over one in five adults.
Conversely, the research confirms that autism prevalence has remained stable at about 1% of the population since 2014, despite an increase in diagnoses. The findings provide a critical, long-term view of adult mental health challenges in England.
