October Health – 2025 Report

Addiction in United Kingdom

The leading cause of addiction-related stress in the United Kingdom is often linked to economic and social pressures, including job insecurity, unemployment, financial difficulties, and social isolation. Workplace stress, particularly high demands combined with low control or support, contributes significantly to this. To support employees, organisations can implement mental health assessments and digital group sessions through platforms like October, fostering resilience and early intervention.

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Addiction Prevalence
7.47%
Affected people
4,108,500

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

Effects of High Addiction Stress on Health and Personal Life

Health Effects:

  • Increased risk of anxiety and depression
  • Poor sleep quality and insomnia
  • Weakened immune system
  • Physical health issues such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems
  • Increased substance use, potentially leading to dependency

Personal Life Effects:

  • Strained relationships with family and friends
  • Decreased work performance and productivity
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Financial difficulties due to addiction-related expenses
  • Reduced overall life satisfaction and happiness

Workplace Advice:

  • Employers can provide support via mental health resources
  • Digital group sessions (like those from October) can offer peer support and coping strategies
  • Regular mental health assessments to identify early signs of addiction stress and intervene promptly

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effect of High Addiction Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Workforce Productivity: Addiction-related stress often leads to absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased work performance, lowering overall productivity.
  • Increased Healthcare Costs: Higher addiction rates strain public health systems and insurance, raising costs for businesses and governments.
  • Higher Unemployment and Job Instability: Addiction can cause job loss or difficulty maintaining employment, increasing unemployment rates and economic insecurity.
  • Strain on Social Services: Increased demand for social support services diverts resources from other areas of economic development.
  • Negative Impact on Workplace Morale: Addiction stress can harm workplace culture, reducing employee engagement and increasing turnover rates.

Workplace Support Tip: Implementing digital group sessions and mental health assessments via platforms like October can help identify and reduce addiction-related stress, improving overall economic and workplace outcomes.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Addiction Stress

1. **Increase Access to Mental Health Services**  
   Provide affordable and accessible mental health and addiction support services, including digital platforms like October, which offer group sessions and assessments to help employees manage stress and addiction.

2. **Promote Public Awareness and Education**  
   Run nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma around addiction and educate citizens on stress management and healthy coping mechanisms.

3. **Workplace Mental Health Initiatives**  
   Encourage employers to implement mental health programs, provide training for managers on early signs of addiction stress, and promote work-life balance.

4. **Regulate Availability of Addictive Substances**  
   Implement policies to control the sale and marketing of substances like alcohol and tobacco.

5. **Support Community-Based Programs**  
   Fund local support groups and community outreach programs focusing on addiction prevention and stress relief.

6. **Early Identification and Intervention**  
   Implement screening programs for addiction stress in workplaces and primary healthcare settings to provide early support.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How Companies Can Lower Addiction-Related Stress

  1. Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
    Provide confidential counselling and support services focused on addiction recovery.

  2. Promote Awareness and Education
    Offer workshops and digital group sessions (like those from October) to educate employees about addiction and coping strategies.

  3. Create a Supportive Workplace Culture
    Encourage open discussions about mental health and addiction without stigma.

  4. Flexible Work Policies
    Allow flexible hours or remote work to reduce stress triggers linked to addiction.

  5. Provide Access to Assessments and Resources
    Use digital tools to help employees self-assess stress and addiction risks, facilitating early intervention.

These steps can reduce stress associated with addiction and improve overall employee well-being.