The growing number of mental health and addiction related cases across Sheffield and South Yorkshire is an ongoing cause for concern. In 2018 and 2019, a social services survey conducted in Yorkshire revealed household referrals totalling 918 for alcohol and 1024 for substance misuse. Families affected by mental health conditions including alcohol and drug abuse before the pandemic has been exacerbated by the COVID lockdowns across the country. The assessments of household drug and alcohol abuse conducted in Yorkshire revealed that over 50,000 referrals were serious enough for further investigation by social services for the same period.
While the situation in these regions was dire prior to the COVID lockdown, these numbers are believed to have escalated. Children, individuals, and households dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety have also been subject to lockdowns making it difficult to cope without access to support. For families where drug or alcohol misuse are rife and domestic violence a regular occurrence, there has been little to no reprieve from such a sad reality.
Because many people have depended on alcohol or substance use as a means of coping during the pandemic, combined with ongoing lockdowns and the unpredictability of job or financial security, there is a high risk of progression into addiction. Unresolved mental health conditions coupled with substance dependency are believed to continue long into the pandemic and the on and off again lockdowns.
Cases of Mental Health and Addiction On the Rise in Sheffield
In 2019 in Sheffield alone, more than 5000 cases were referred to social services for further investigation. Of this referral, 1942 households were identified as misusing drugs and alcohol.
According to national research, the city’s most commonly used drugs include cannabis, heroin, and crack cocaine. In Sheffield, an average 9.76 per 1000 populations misuses crack cocaine and heroin which is higher than the national average. There is also evidence of 4% of the population engaging in psychoactive substance abuse; however, rates for treatment remain low.
The Driving Forces Behind the Need for Mental Health and Addiction Services
The city currently faces a multitude of challenges concerning the rate of mental health and substance dependency cases. The age group 16 to 24 years has shown higher rates of drug use compared to adults in the past month and year. This group has also been linked to the youth and adult service response in the city for factors concerning intervention.
The trends in drug use have also made it difficult to control. Illicit drug use along with prescription medication such as benzodiazepines has risen in only 6 months (Drug Strategy Appendix). Social services and rehab facilities have also recognized the ease and the rate within which individuals are accessing such illicit drugs.
Along with the need for immediate intervention in the accessibility, sale, and use of drugs and alcohol, there is also a greater need for education at the community level. This includes community attitudes towards drugs such as cannabis. Cannabis use has risen exponentially in the city because it is easier to obtain compared to illicit drugs and is considered “less harmful” than other types of substances by peers and relatives. This further complicates the ability for health services to successfully intervene.
Along with mental healthcare services required for the growing incidences of substance misuse, the city went on to target the use of a dangerous synthetic drug known as Spice in 2019. Primarily sought by adolescents, emergency services were under immense strain to cope with the surge in hospitalisations owing to injuries and drug use. Many young adults who were taking Spice reported the need to block out feelings of depression, anxiety, and bearing witness to domestic violence in their homes. Today, the health system continues to remain under pressure with COVID admissions and lockdown measures in place, making it harder for individuals who are misusing drugs and/or alcohol to get the treatment that they need.
How to Help a Loved One Who Needs Professional Support
When someone is battling a mental health condition or addiction, there is nothing more than one could want for them than to reach out for help. Unfortunately, many who are progressing into addiction or relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems will deny or acknowledge that they have a problem.
To help someone struggling with mental health difficulties or addiction, get to know the signs of mental distress and substance misuse or dependence first. This can help you to equip yourself with knowledge and steps to approach them in the right manner. Let them know that you are there to support them to find the help that they need.
An important part of recovery is not to become angry or guilt the individual into feeling shame. Instead, try to be patient and encourage them to consider the care and support presented in intervention.
Steps to Address the Mental Health and Addiction Concerns in Sheffield
While various treatment programmes and interventions are available, it is insufficient to keep up with competing socioeconomic and mental health disparities. Along with health service inequalities, the economic, social, and environmental changes caused by the pandemic have had dire consequences on accessibility to mental health and addiction services. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers are not prepared for the challenges of COVID and the ability to provide substance use intervention at an individual, familial, and community level.
We spoke to a leading addiction expert, Paul Spanjar of the Providence Projects Rehab Clinic:
“The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns will have a significant impact on mental health and addiction rates. Social isolation and fears towards the future are genuine concerns, and the NHS is currently working through a big backlog of individuals seeking treatment. For many coming to terms with addiction is a process that can take many months, if not years to accept. Any current data around those seeking treatment for alcohol or drug addiction will be a misrepresentation of the real figures.”
This means that we are looking at a higher proportion of individuals who require treatment but may not have the economical or the educational support to find help. During such a time of crisis, we encourage people to speak out and to reach out for support. This includes children, adolescents, and individuals who are the most vulnerable in our communities.
In Sheffield, programmes including walk-in services, same-day assessments, and interventions offered through the NHS are available and hope to make a difference in the lives of those affected by substance dependence and mental health conditions. It is also up to the city to modify their approach to accessible support and harm-prevention strategies for children during COVID and the continued lockdowns.
