Key Points

• Hackney has recorded a 9 per cent rise in adults accessing substance use treatment between March 2022 and January 2025, increasing from 2,014 to 2,202 people.
• Analysis by Hackney Council highlights that 37 per cent of people in treatment with co-existing mental health needs are not receiving adequate mental health support, compared with 18 per cent nationally.
• Substance misuse is often misunderstood, with many assuming individuals simply “choose” to misuse substances and can easily stop, when in reality the issue is far more complex.
• The City & Hackney Recovery Service offers free, accessible support for residents experiencing difficulties with alcohol or substance use, with no referral necessary.
• Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone under 25 concerned about their own or others’ substance use.
• Stigma remains a significant barrier preventing people from seeking help, despite the availability of local support services.

Hackney (East London Times) September 26, 2026 – A 9 per cent increase in adults accessing substance use treatment in Hackney has been recorded between March 2022 and January 2025, according to analysis conducted by Hackney Council. The number of individuals seeking support rose from 2,014 to 2,202 people over this period, highlighting growing demand for local recovery services.

The data also reveals a significant gap in mental health provision: 37 per cent of people in treatment with co-existing mental health needs are not receiving adequate mental health support, compared with 18 per cent nationally. This disparity underscores the complex relationship between substance misuse and mental health, and the challenges local services face in meeting dual-diagnosis needs.

Why is substance misuse often misunderstood?

Many people misunderstand why others misuse substances. It is often assumed that individuals simply “choose” to misuse drugs or alcohol and can easily stop. In reality, substance misuse is far more complicated.

Substance misuse involves using illegal drugs, or using legal substances such as alcohol, prescription medicines and tobacco incorrectly or harmfully, in ways that can cause physical or mental harm. Another misconception is that not everyone who misuses substances also has a mental health illness. While many do, there may be very personal reasons—such as trauma, stress, or socioeconomic factors—that have led some people down this path.

This issue is particularly prevalent across City & Hackney, where analysis by the council has identified both rising treatment numbers and significant unmet mental health needs among those in recovery.

How is Hackney responding to rising treatment needs?

Despite the support available, stigma can make it difficult for people to talk about substance misuse or ask for help. However, several organisations are working to support residents in taking that first step towards recovery.

The City & Hackney Recovery Service supports residents experiencing difficulties with alcohol or substance use. It provides a safe and welcoming space for anyone who feels they would benefit from support. No referral is necessary, and people can attend on a first-come, first-served basis unless they have an appointment. In-person and remote assessments are available Monday to Saturday. Residents can search “City and Hackney Recovery Service” online for more information.

For younger residents, the Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service is available to anyone under 25 and is free and confidential. It offers advice and support to young people concerned about their own substance use, or worried about a friend or family member. To access the service, individuals can search “Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service” online and select ‘Get in Touch’.

What do local health officials say about the trend?

Recent analysis by Simon Young, Principal Public Health Specialist at Hackney Council, shows that between March 2022 and January 2025 there was a 9 per cent increase in adults accessing substance use treatment. This trend aligns with broader national patterns of rising demand for drug and alcohol treatment services.

Local health officials have emphasised the importance of addressing both substance use and mental health needs simultaneously, as drug misuse and mental health are commonly interlinked. Addressing both issues is often vital for long-term positive behaviour change and sustained recovery.

What support is available for residents?

Hackney Council and partner organisations deliver a range of services to support residents affected by substance misuse. The City and Hackney Recovery Service, delivered by Turning Point in partnership with Mind CHWF and Antidote, offers free and accessible substance misuse support and treatment to all Hackney residents.

For those seeking mental health support alongside substance treatment, the City and Hackney Wellbeing Network provides free, whole-person care for people with complex mental health problems, including where poor mental health combines with other challenges such as debt, unemployment, relationship issues, and substance use.

Each person receives a personalised support plan based on their individual needs. The service can be contacted via telephone or email, with urgent out-of-hours support also available.

Background of the Development

The rise in adults accessing substance use treatment in Hackney reflects broader public health challenges faced by urban communities across England. Between March 2022 and January 2025, Hackney Council’s analysis identified a steady increase in treatment demand, rising from 2,014 to 2,202 individuals. This 9 per cent growth mirrors national trends reported in government statistics for substance misuse treatment.

The development is part of a longer-term effort by Hackney Council and partner organisations to expand access to recovery services. The City and Hackney Integrated Substance Misuse Service, operated by Turning Point since October 2020, has seen its caseload grow significantly over the past five years. Contract variations approved in 2023 increased funding to £29 million to support expanded activity and staff retention.

Local officials have highlighted the importance of addressing co-existing mental health needs alongside substance use. Recent data shows that 37 per cent of people in treatment with dual diagnoses are not receiving adequate mental health support—a figure nearly double the national average of 18 per cent. In response, new partnership services such as the City & Hackney Mental Health and Substance Use Service began operations in late 2025 to better integrate care for residents with complex needs.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Hackney Residents

The continued rise in substance treatment demand is likely to place additional pressure on local health and social care services in Hackney. If current trends persist, the number of adults accessing treatment could exceed 2,400 within the next two years, requiring further investment in staffing, facilities, and integrated mental health support.

For residents, this development may mean longer waiting times for assessments and treatment unless capacity is expanded. However, the growth in service provision also presents an opportunity to reduce stigma and encourage earlier intervention. With services such as the City & Hackney Recovery Service and Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service offering free, confidential support, more individuals may come forward sooner, improving long-term recovery outcomes.

The gap in mental health provision for those with co-existing needs remains a critical challenge. Without targeted investment in dual-diagnosis support, a significant proportion of residents in treatment may continue to experience unmet mental health needs, potentially undermining recovery efforts. Local authorities and health partners will need to prioritise integrated care models to ensure that rising treatment numbers translate into meaningful, sustained improvements in public health across Hackney.