Cocaine remains one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the UK. Each year, thousands of people receive treatment for cocaine addiction, while cocaine-related deaths continue to rise. 

The latest cocaine addiction statistics UK show how widespread the problem has become and which groups are most affected. They also highlight the growing demand for addiction treatment and support services. 

This guide looks at the latest figures, explains what they mean, and covers the warning signs of cocaine use. If you are worried about your own cocaine use or someone close to you, knowing the facts is a good place to start.

What Is Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine addiction is a condition where a person finds it difficult to stop using cocaine, even when it is affecting their health, relationships, work, or finances. Over time, the brain becomes used to the drug, making cravings stronger and increasing the urge to keep using it.

Not everyone who uses cocaine becomes addicted. Some people use it occasionally, while others begin using it more often as their tolerance increases. Regular cocaine use can lead to dependence, making it harder to stop without professional support.

There are two main forms of cocaine. Powder cocaine is usually snorted, although some people rub it onto their gums or dissolve it for injection. Crack cocaine is processed into small crystals and is usually smoked. 

Crack reaches the brain much faster than powder cocaine, producing a more intense but shorter-lasting high. Because of this, crack cocaine is more strongly linked with frequent use, dependence, and specialist addiction treatment.

Cocaine Addiction Statistics UK at a Glance

Official reports give a clear picture of how cocaine use has changed in recent years. They also show how cocaine addiction is affecting public health across the UK.

Below are some of the latest cocaine statistics from official UK sources.

• Around 2.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported using cocaine in the past year in England and Wales (Year Ending March 2024).
• Cocaine is the second most commonly used illegal drug after cannabis.
• Adults aged 16 to 24 continue to report the highest rates of cocaine use.
• Cocaine-related deaths have increased sharply over the past decade.
• Thousands of people begin treatment for problems linked to powder cocaine and crack cocaine each year.
• Crack cocaine remains one of the most common drugs among people receiving specialist addiction treatment.

Cocaine Use in the UK

Cocaine use has remained high across England and Wales for several years. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 2.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported using cocaine in the previous year. This is equal to hundreds of thousands of people and makes cocaine one of the most widely used illegal drugs in the country.

Young adults continue to report the highest rates of cocaine use. Nightlife, festivals, and social settings are often linked with recreational cocaine use, but the drug is not limited to these environments. Treatment providers also support people from different age groups, occupations, and backgrounds.

Powder cocaine is the form most people recognise. Crack cocaine is processed differently and is usually smoked rather than snorted. Although both come from the same drug, crack cocaine is more strongly linked with physical dependence, frequent use, and contact with specialist treatment services.

The latest figures suggest cocaine use has remained relatively stable in recent years, but the number of deaths involving cocaine has continued to increase. This shows that the risks linked to cocaine extend beyond how many people use it. Purity, polydrug use, and underlying health conditions can all affect the likelihood of serious harm.

Cocaine-Related Deaths

The number of deaths involving cocaine has increased sharply over the past decade. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 1,118 deaths involving cocaine were registered in England and Wales in 2023. This was the highest number on record at the time and almost ten times higher than the 112 deaths recorded in 2011.

These figures do not mean cocaine was the only drug involved. Many deaths involve more than one substance. Cocaine is often taken with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, which can place extra strain on the heart and increase the risk of overdose or poisoning.

The rise in cocaine-related deaths has been linked to several factors, including higher cocaine purity, wider availability, and an increase in polydrug use. Experts have also raised concerns about synthetic opioids being mixed into illegal drugs without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.

Why Cocaine Use Is Rising

There is no single reason why cocaine use has increased in the UK. Public health experts point to several factors that have made the drug more common over the past decade.

One reason is availability. Cocaine is easier to buy than it was in the past, and law enforcement agencies continue to report large quantities entering the UK. Higher purity has also become a concern, increasing the risk of serious health problems even when people use smaller amounts.

Social attitudes have also changed. Some people see cocaine as a party drug and underestimate its risks. Regular use can lead to dependence, affect mental health, and increase the chance of heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies.

Another factor is polydrug use. Cocaine is often taken with alcohol or other drugs. This combination can place extra stress on the body and make overdose or poisoning more likely than using cocaine on its own.

5 Common Signs of Cocaine Use

The signs can vary depending on how often someone uses the drug, how much they take, and whether other substances are involved. Recognising these changes can help you decide when it may be time to seek professional advice.

Here are the 5 common signs of cocaine use:

1) Sudden Changes in Mood

Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause a short-lived feeling of confidence, energy, and excitement. Once the effects wear off, the person’s mood can change quickly. Some people become irritable, anxious, restless, or unusually withdrawn.

Frequent mood swings, especially when they happen after nights out or periods away from home, may be a sign that cocaine use is becoming more regular.

2) Changes in Sleep or Appetite

People who use cocaine often stay awake for long periods because the drug increases alertness and reduces tiredness. It can also suppress appetite, leading to skipped meals or noticeable weight loss over time.

After the effects wear off, some people sleep for much longer than usual as their body recovers from the stimulant.

3) Money Problems

Regular cocaine use can become expensive. Someone may begin spending more than they can afford, borrowing money, missing bill payments, or asking friends and family for financial help without a clear explanation.

Money problems do not always point to drug use, but sudden changes in spending habits alongside other warning signs should not be ignored.

4) Secretive Behaviour

People struggling with cocaine use often try to hide it from those around them. They may become defensive when asked about their whereabouts, spend more time alone, or avoid conversations about their drinking or drug use. You might also notice changes in their social circle, frequent unexplained absences, or a reluctance to attend family events.

5) Physical Changes

Regular cocaine use can cause noticeable changes to a person’s appearance and behaviour. Some signs are easy to spot, while others become more noticeable as cocaine use continues.

Long-term cocaine use can also increase the risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and damage to the inside of the nose when the drug is regularly snorted.

Common physical signs include:

• Dilated pupils
• Frequent sniffing or a runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Weight loss or reduced appetite
• Rapid speech
• Restlessness or constant fidgeting
• Increased heart rate

Health Risks of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction can affect almost every part of the body. Some problems develop after repeated use, while others, such as a heart attack or stroke, can happen even after taking cocaine for a short period. Mental health is also commonly affected, particularly when cocaine is used regularly or alongside other drugs.

Looking for Help With Cocaine Addiction?

The latest cocaine addiction statistics UK show that cocaine continues to affect thousands of people every year. Behind every number is a person, a family, or a community dealing with the effects of addiction.

If cocaine use is starting to affect your health, relationships, work, or finances, you do not have to wait for things to get worse before asking for advice. Speaking to someone early can help you understand the treatment options available.

AnorMed can answer your questions, explain the different types of addiction treatment, and help you compare rehabilitation providers across the UK and Europe. Every conversation is confidential, with no obligation to begin treatment.

How AnorMed Can Help

Looking for treatment can feel confusing when there are so many rehabilitation providers to choose from. AnorMed is an independent addiction treatment referral service that helps people compare treatment options across the UK and Europe.

Our advisors take the time to understand your situation before discussing suitable treatment pathways. This may include medical detox, residential rehab, outpatient treatment, or other forms of addiction support.

We also support family members who are worried about someone close to them. If you have questions about cocaine addiction or treatment, our advisors can provide confidential information to help you understand your options.

If you’re ready to seek help, or simply want more information, AnorMed can help you compare rehabilitation providers and find treatment that matches your needs.

FAQs

Is cocaine use becoming more common in the UK?

Cocaine remains one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the UK. While overall use has stayed fairly stable in recent years, cocaine-related deaths and demand for treatment continue to be a concern.

Which age group uses cocaine the most?

Recent UK surveys show that adults aged 16 to 24 report the highest rates of cocaine use. However, cocaine addiction affects people of all ages.

Can you become addicted to cocaine after only a few uses?

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, but there is no set number of times someone can use it before addiction develops. Factors such as frequency of use, the amount taken, mental health, and family history can all affect the risk.

What’s the difference between powder cocaine and crack cocaine?

Both are made from the coca plant. Powder cocaine is usually snorted, while crack cocaine is smoked. Crack produces a faster and shorter-lasting high and is more commonly linked with physical dependence and specialist treatment.

Can cocaine addiction affect mental health?

Yes. Cocaine use has been linked to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, paranoia, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. Some people also experience intense cravings after the effects wear off.