The Rise in Infrequent Drug Use in The UK 

The Risks & Dangers This Still Poses for Users 

In recent years, UK headlines have focused heavily on the number of drug-related deaths and growing harm from particular substances; however, it has not shone the spotlight on the shifting patterns and behaviours of drug users within the UK.  

When diving into the data provided on drug use in the UK, we can see that there has been a rise in infrequent drug users in the UK who report to use substances ‘once or twice’ or ‘occasionally’ in comparison to those who regularly abuse drugs or alcohol. When considering use as ‘infrequent’ this can shift the perception of the dangers and risks associated with drug use and take away thoughts of needing help and support to avoid long-term dependency.  

At New Leaf Recovery, we support all clients who have struggled with drug use, whether it be frequent or infrequent use. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live drug free and find better coping mechanism for their struggles or past traumas.  

If you are ready to seek support for your drug use, speak to our team today and let us get you started on your recovery journey.  

The Shifting Drug Use Patterns in the UK 

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that a large majority of people that have reported using drugs in the previous 12 months were infrequent users. This looks at those aged between 16 and 59 in the year ending March 2024. Going further, approximately half of those users reported to have only used drugs once or twice during that period. During this same period, we can also see that statistics show a decline in the number of frequent drug users, sitting at a lower rate of 1.8% in March 2024 compared to previous years.  

Whilst statistics show a consistent fluctuation in the prevalence of drug use year on year, the big picture post-pandemic has shown that there are clear changes in social and recreational drug use, with worrying increases in harm and deaths as a result. There has been a sharp increase in the fatalities linked to cocaine use and increases in the deaths involving polysubstance abuse. These worrying trends show that even when drug use is infrequent, the level of harm is serious and continues to rise in the UK.  

A positive from the latest statistics drawn from the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that drug treatment systems and centres have responded to this rise in drug use. The number of adults seeking support and entering treatment has increased in 2023-2024 compared to previous years. New Leaf Recovery is a private, residential drug and alcohol recovery centre that is able to provide support for those struggling UK wide. We work with clients to overcome their struggles and find better ways of living a drug free life, coping with daily challenges in healthy ways. For more information or to get started with us today, get in touch with our team.  

What Does Infrequent Drug Use Mean & Why This Doesn’t Mean ‘Safe’ 

Infrequent drug use is often defined as those who use drugs recreationally. This can be once or twice across a longer period of time, or even someone who uses drugs once a month. Although this infrequent use may give users a perception of safety in use, this is not true! The use of drugs, however frequent, can still pose harm and risks for anyone.  

Unpredictability 

The use of street drugs is increasing with risks being exceedingly high. Often mixed with other substances, sometimes more toxic drugs or chemicals, these synthetic drugs can cause severe reactions, overdose, acute toxicity or unexpected interactions. The rise in synthetic drugs in the UK is significant and poses serious risks even for infrequent users.  

Physical & Mental Impacts 

Even after one episode of stimulant or psychedelic drugs, this can cause heart problems, seizures, severe anxiety or psychotic reactions in vulnerable people. For those who infrequently use drugs at younger ages, there is also a higher risk of panic, depression or psychotic symptoms, even with infrequent drug use. The physical and mental health impacts of drugs is a serious risk at all times, regardless of use once, twice or frequently.  

Polysubstance Use 

For those who use drugs on a recreational or occasional basis, they may be more inclined to mix substances, known as polysubstance use. This mixing of drugs or drugs with alcohol can increase the risks and chances of harm for users.  

Situational Risks 

The environment in which people take and use drugs can also pose risks to those who become under the influence. In crowded parties or when getting behind the wheel, the risk of injury or accidents occurring is multiplied, meaning there is a great chance of harm not just to the user, but those around them too.  

The Risk of More Frequent Use 

For some who use drugs infrequently, this can become more frequent over time, opening up the risks of increasing tolerance, attempts to self-manage stress or mental health symptoms. Using drugs at any time can open the doorway to drug abuse becoming more frequent; however, when seeing support early, this can help prevent long term dependency occurring.  

If you are finding yourself in any of the above situations and want to look at healthier ways of coping with challenges, or avoiding temptations, get in touch with our team at New Leaf Recovery today. We are here to support you and your loved ones on their rehabilitation and recovery journey.  

How Infrequent Use Can Impact Daily Life 

The impacts of regular drug use on daily life are well documented; however, this doesn’t mean that infrequent drug use has no impact whatsoever. The use of drugs at any time, for however often can directly impact your daily life in a number of ways, including: 

• Relationships: Impulsive behaviour whilst under the influence of drugs, or the feeling of being alone can impact the relationships you have with loved ones.  

• Legal Problems: If offences occur whilst under the influence of drugs, such a driving or possession related offences, this can result in legal repercussions.  

• Work or Education: Whether you have a severe reaction, or lingering after effects of drugs, this can impact your attendance, performance or safety at work or school. With repeated recreational use, this can have an impact on your future career too. 

• Mental Health: The use of drugs as a coping mechanism can be detrimental to your mental health, leading to anxiety, depression or psychosis. Often, when individuals struggle with mental health and drug abuse, these can often reinforce each other in a dangerous cycle of behaviour.  

If you are finding that your infrequent use is becoming more frequent, or you have been struggling with some of the mentioned daily impacts as a result of drug use, contact New Leaf Recovery today. We are here to support you and your loved ones in rehabilitation and recovery. Our private, residential rehabilitation allows clients to step away from the challenges of daily life and find healthier techniques for coping with pressures faced.  

When Should You Seek Help for Infrequent Drug Use 

Recovery and rehabilitation are not just for those who struggle with regular behavioural, drug or alcohol abuse. Seeking help is for everyone who feels they have been struggling and want to find a brighter future. Consider reaching out to New Leaf Recovery if you: 

• Find yourself becoming more of a frequent user of substances 

• Have been using to cope with stress, sleep issues, low moods or trauma 

• Have been experiencing physical or psychological reactions after use including black outs, chest pains or heightened anxiety 

• Are struggling with relationship breakdowns with your loved ones 

• Find yourself struggling with legal repercussions, work, studies or finances due to drug use 

• Are starting to worry about your control over the substance use, even if you are using infrequently.  

Early intervention and rehabilitation can help prevent long-term dependence and the more severe risks associated with this for individuals. Our team at New Leaf Recovery is here to provide support 24/7. Whether for yourself, or a loved one, get in touch with our team today to find out more about our private rehabilitation programmes, including detoxification and rehabilitative therapies. With flexible lengths of stay, we are able to help clients through detox and along their recovery journey.  

New Leaf Recovery Can Help & Support in Rehabilitation 

New Leaf Recovery is a leading private, residential rehabilitation centre based in Birmingham, offering clients a safe space to complete detoxification and rehabilitative therapy programmes from 7 days through to 28 days.  

Our team works with each client to understand their struggles, and how we can provide the best rehabilitation possible to find a brighter future post-rehab. Our rehabilitation therapies include: 

• Art Therapy 

• Meditation 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

• Group & 1-2-1 Therapy Sessions 

• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) 

• Counselling and more.  

All clients who stay with us for more than 7 days will embark of a recovery journey that helps them find new ways of expressing their emotions, talking through their struggles and understanding the root cause of their drug abuse. These techniques also provide clients with new ways of facing daily challenges, helping in everyday life after rehabilitation.  

We understand that rehabilitation doesn’t stop as soon as you leave our rehab centre in Birmingham. This is why New Leaf Recovery works with client post-rehab too. We provide Aftercare Sessions for those who feel they need ongoing support, but also provide support for relapse prevention, helping all clients to continue building resilience.  

Whether for yourself or a loved one, if you feel that the risks of infrequent drug use are starting to become uncontrollable, reach out to our team today and turn over your new leaf.