Most extensive NHS survey on mental health reveals drug addiction surge in last decade but autism rates remain stable - despite big increase in people being diagnosed

Cannabis addiction has almost doubled in the last decade, according to a landmark NHS study.

A major representative survey of mental health in England has revealed a worrying surge in drug addiction driven by use of strong cannabis. One in every 15 people in England is now a drug addict with most undiagnosed and receiving no treatment or support services.

Adults with signs of cannabis dependence increased from 2.8% in 2014 to 5.4% in 2023/4. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey is conducted every seven years and interviews with almost 7,000 adults reveal the extent of mental health conditions, including those who h

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