The rise of cocaine usage in the UK

Cocaine use in the UK has doubled over the past two decades, with lifetime use among adults rising from 5.1% in 2001 to 10.3% in 2023. As more people turn to the drug, the consequences are becoming harder to ignore. In 2023 alone, drug poisoning deaths hit a record high, with families and communities left devastated by the impact.

So why is cocaine use surging, and what can you do if it’s becoming a problem?

Why cocaine use is soaring in the UK

Cocaine use in the UK is reaching record levels, and it’s not hard to see why. A mix of social, economic and legal factors has created the perfect storm for increased consumption. From changes in purity to the rising cost of alcohol, cocaine has become more accessible, more appealing and, in some ways, even more normalised.

Let’s break down the key reasons behind this surge.

Higher purity, higher appeal

Ironically, stricter drug laws have contributed to the rise in cocaine use. The UK’s 2015 Serious Crime Act made it illegal to import common cutting agents like benzocaine, which means cocaine is now hitting the streets in a purer form. At the same time, Latin American production has ramped up, increasing the global supply. When a drug becomes cheaper, stronger and more widely available, demand naturally follows.

For users, this increase in purity makes cocaine seem like a better value for money. The logic is simple: if a product is less diluted, people assume they get ‘more’ for their money once something is perceived as both premium quality and easier to find, curiosity and regular use start to rise.

The rising cost of alcohol

The UK’s pub culture has always been strong but the cost of drinking has made nights out less appealing. With pints in London averaging over £5.50 and cocktails often costing much more, people are looking for ways to stretch their nights without draining their wallets. Cocaine, at £40–£60 a gram, is increasingly seen as an alternative.

Rather than buying round after round of overpriced drinks, some see cocaine as a ‘cost-effective’ way to fuel their night. It allows users to stay awake, feel more confident and, crucially, drink less while still feeling the effects of a big night out. This financial incentive, paired with the UK’s love of a heavy night, has made cocaine a go-to for many.

Easier access to cocaine than ever

In the past, getting hold of cocaine required knowing the right people. Now, it’s as easy as ordering a takeaway. Young people report being able to pick up a bag in under five minutes, with social media playing a huge role in this accessibility. Dealers use platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to promote ‘deals’ and ‘bargain buckets,’ making cocaine feel like just another weekend purchase.

This shift in availability removes the usual barriers that might deter people from using. If something is easy to get, readily available and even marketed with ‘special offers,’ it doesn’t feel like a risky or serious decision anymore. The result means more people are giving it a go, and for many, that first try quickly leads to regular use.

Consequences of the rise in cocaine-usage

The rise in cocaine use is leading to serious and often tragic consequences. In this section, we take a closer look at two major issues emerging from the increasing use of cocaine.

A rise in cocaine related deaths

In 2023, drug poisoning deaths in the UK reached a record high, with 5,448 fatalities, an 11% increase from the previous year. One major factor behind this rise is the widespread mixing of cocaine with alcohol, a common practice in the UK’s nightlife scene.

When combined, these substances create cocaethylene, a toxic compound that remains in the body longer than cocaine and puts immense strain on the heart. Research suggests that cocaethylene is over ten times more harmful to the cardiovascular system than cocaine alone, significantly increasing the risk of strokes, cardiac arrest and other fatal complications.

With cocaine use rising and alcohol deeply embedded in UK social culture, this dangerous combination is likely contributing to the surge in drug-related deaths. Many users may not even realise the heightened risks, unknowingly putting themselves in life-threatening situations.

A rise in cocaine addiction treatment admissions

Beyond fatalities, more people are finding themselves trapped in a cycle of dependence. The number of individuals entering treatment for powder cocaine addiction rose by 10% in 2022/23, reflecting a growing demand for professional help. This increase suggests that what starts as recreational use is becoming harder to control, leading more people to seek support as their use spirals.

Do I have an issue with cocaine?

Addiction has a way of creeping up on anyone, no matter how harmless it may seem at first. What starts as ‘a bit of fun’ can gradually turn into something more serious without you even realising. This is why it’s essential, perhaps now more than ever, to take a step back and monitor your situation.

If you’re using cocaine recreationally or know someone who is, it might be worth taking a moment to check in on yourself. Small changes in behaviour, routine or how often you’re using can be early warning signs.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, cocaine may be playing a bigger role in your life than you realise.

1. Do you find yourself using cocaine more frequently than you originally intended?
2. Have you tried to cut down or stop but found it difficult?
3. Do you use cocaine to help you function ‘normally’?
4. Have you experienced negative consequences such as financial struggles, strained relationships or work issues?
5. Do you plan nights out around cocaine or feel uncomfortable without it?

If these questions feel familiar, it may be worth contacting healthcare professionals for further advice.

How UKAT can help with cocaine addiction

If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine addiction, know that help is available. UKAT provides expert and professional cocaine rehab services, offering structured detox, tailored therapy and long-term aftercare to support lasting recovery.

Cocaine detox

Detox is the first step in overcoming cocaine addiction. While cocaine withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, it can be mentally and physically challenging. Intense cravings, fatigue, anxiety and low mood are common, making it difficult to stay on track without professional help.

At UKAT, our detox programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where our experienced team helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prepares you for the next stage of recovery.

Therapy

Detox alone is not enough to overcome cocaine addiction. The key to lasting recovery is addressing the root causes of substance use. At UKAT, we offer a range of therapies designed to help you understand your addiction and build a healthier future.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a core part of our treatment, helping you identify negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies. We also offer group therapy, one-to-one counselling and holistic treatments such as yoga and mindfulness, all designed to support your mental and emotional well-being.

Aftercare

Recovery does not end when rehab finishes. Long-term support is crucial to maintaining a drug-free life, which is why UKAT offers aftercare services to help you stay on track. Our aftercare programme includes continued therapy and relapse prevention strategies to ensure you have the tools needed to navigate life after rehab.

With a strong support system in place, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have the guidance and resources to stay in control.

If cocaine addiction is affecting your life, UKAT is here to help. We provide everything you need to break free and build a healthier future. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards lasting recovery.