Cocaine treatment starts hit record high in the UK

New UK treatment data shows powder cocaine now makes up about 20% of adult treatment starts, a record share that addiction specialists say matches rising demand for help. Charterhouse Clinic in Northamptonshire says it is getting daily enquiries from people worried their cocaine use is taking over their lives. Why it matters: - Powder cocaine now accounts for about 20% of new adult treatment starts in the UK, the highest level on record. - Addiction specialists say the figure points to a wider cocaine crisis affecting individuals, families and workplaces across the country. - Charterhouse Clinic says early help can reduce the damage from escalating cocaine use. What happened: - New government substance misuse treatment statistics show more adults are entering treatment for powder cocaine than ever before. - Charterhouse Clinic in Northamptonshire says it is receiving daily enquiries from people worried about losing control of their cocaine use. - Family members are also contacting the clinic for help for loved ones. - The clinic is preparing for its reopening this month. The details: - The UK is now one of the largest consumers of cocaine in the world, with millions of adults estimated to use the drug each year. - The National Crime Agency estimated that England, Scotland and Wales consume around 117 tonnes of cocaine annually. - Wastewater analysis suggests cocaine use continued to rise between 2023 and 2024. - Matthew Idle of Charterhouse Clinic said the clinic is speaking to more people than ever who feel trapped by their cocaine use. - Idle said people contacting the clinic describe problems at work, relationship breakdowns and serious money troubles. - Idle said many users never expected casual cocaine use to reach that point. - Addiction specialists say cocaine dependence can affect people of any age, background or profession. - Regular use can lead to increased tolerance, stronger cravings, anxiety, depression, financial difficulties and relationship damage. - Families often notice warning signs first, including mood changes, secrecy, unexplained spending, borrowing money and withdrawal from loved ones. - Charterhouse Clinic says it offers confidential assessments and treatment options for people seeking help. - The clinic is encouraging people worried about their own use or a family member to reach out before the situation becomes a crisis. - The clinic directs people to complete its confidential admissions form for more information about treatment options. Between the lines: - The treatment data suggests cocaine use is moving beyond occasional or recreational patterns for a growing number of adults. - Charterhouse Clinic’s daily demand for help suggests the problem is surfacing earlier in families and workplaces, before more severe harm sets in. - The scale of national consumption and the rise in treatment starts together indicate a public health problem that is unlikely to be limited to one region or age group. What’s next: - Charterhouse Clinic is re-opening this month and expects continued demand for assessments and treatment. - Addiction specialists expect the latest figures to intensify warnings about cocaine dependence and the need for earlier intervention. - Families and people using cocaine are being urged to seek help sooner rather than waiting for a crisis. The bottom line: - Record treatment numbers and rising demand for help suggest cocaine dependence is becoming harder to ignore across the UK.