October Health – 2025 Report

Addiction in United Kingdom

The leading cause of addiction-related stress in the United Kingdom at a population level is often linked to socioeconomic factors, including financial hardship, unemployment, and social isolation. These issues create chronic stress, which can increase vulnerability to substance misuse and addictive behaviors. Workplace pressures and job insecurity also contribute significantly to stress that may lead to addiction. Supporting employees with workplace mental health programs and stress management resources can help mitigate these risks. Using services like October’s digital group sessions on stress and addiction awareness can be valuable for companies aiming to support their workforce.

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Addiction Prevalence
7.17%
Affected people
3,943,500

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

Effects of High Addiction Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  • Physical Health

    • Increased risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, liver damage)
    • Sleep disturbances and fatigue
    • Weakened immune system

  • Mental Health

    • Heightened anxiety and depression
    • Cognitive impairments, such as memory issues and poor concentration
    • Increased risk of co-occurring mental health disorders

  • Personal Life

    • Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
    • Reduced work performance and absenteeism
    • Financial difficulties due to compulsive behaviours

For workplace support, offering digital group sessions or assessments through platforms like October can help employees manage addiction-related stress effectively.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Addiction Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Workforce Productivity: Addiction can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower efficiency among employees, impacting overall economic output.
  • Increased Healthcare Costs: Higher demand for treatment and medical services strains public health resources and budgets.
  • Higher Unemployment Rates: Addiction-related issues may cause job loss and difficulties in finding or maintaining employment.
  • Social Welfare Strain: Increased need for social support and disability benefits impacts government spending.
  • Workplace Safety Risks: Substance abuse can increase accidents and injuries, leading to higher insurance premiums and compensation claims.
  • Decreased Consumer Spending: Financial instability due to addiction reduces disposable income and consumption.

For companies, supporting employees through mental health initiatives like Panda's digital group sessions and assessments can help address addiction stress and mitigate these economic consequences.

What can government do to assist?

Ways a Country Can Lower Addiction Stress

  1. Improve Workplace Mental Health Support

    • Implement employee assistance programmes (EAPs)
    • Provide access to confidential counselling, such as digital group sessions
    • Offer training for managers to spot early signs of addiction stress

  2. Public Awareness Campaigns

    • Promote understanding of addiction as a health issue
    • Encourage workplace cultures that reduce stigma around seeking help

  3. Increase Access to Treatment

    • Fund and expand addiction treatment services including digital assessments and therapy
    • Integrate addiction support within primary healthcare services

  4. Policy and Regulation

    • Limit availability and marketing of addictive substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco)
    • Enforce workplace policies that support mental wellbeing and prevent substance misuse

  5. Community and Social Support

    • Support peer groups and community-based recovery networks
    • Promote social activities that reduce isolation, a key addiction stress factor

Note: Digital platforms like October can be leveraged by employers to provide accessible, group-based mental health support and assessments, reducing addiction-related stress in the workplace.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How a Company Can Lower Addiction-Related Stress

  1. Provide Confidential Support Services

    • Offer access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include addiction counselling.
    • Ensure confidentiality to encourage employees to seek help without fear of stigma.

  2. Promote Mental Health Education

    • Run workshops or digital group sessions (e.g. via October) focused on addiction awareness and stress management.
    • Educate managers to recognise signs of addiction-related stress.

  3. Create a Supportive Work Environment

    • Foster open communication about mental health and addiction issues.
    • Implement flexible working arrangements to help employees manage stress.

  4. Enable Access to Professional Help

    • Facilitate time off and referrals to specialist addiction services.
    • Encourage use of assessments to identify those at risk early.

  5. Reduce Workplace Triggers

    • Minimise high-stress workloads or toxic work culture factors that can exacerbate addiction stress.

Using digital group sessions and assessments, like those offered by October, can help employees feel supported and equip management to provide timely interventions.