Cocaine usage among people in the UK has risen at an alarming rate, particularly among young people. While once it was considered dangerous by people in society, it’s seemingly become a normal part of everyday life.
It’s estimated that over two and a half million people across the UK use cocaine, with the substance often viewed casually or even joked about, particularly across social media platforms. Which begs the question, are young people not taking cocaine seriously enough?
You only have to go to rehab to see the damage it is causing so many people, from drug rehabilitation centres in Essex right up to the tip of Scotland, the west of Wales to the foot of Cornwall.
But why aren’t young people, and in fact older adults taking it seriously enough? Here are five key reasons…
It’s Seen as a “Clean” or “Safe” Drug
One of the big myths of today is that people seem to think cocaine is “safer” these days and “cleaner” than other drugs. Compared to heroin or meth, cocaine is often viewed as a form of middle-class party drug and one that’s associated with champagne rather than the Trainspotting-like view the others have. This makes it less threatening to people.
However, it is exactly what we say, a myth. Cocaine can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, with even young people suffering strokes or heart attacks due to the drug. Long term, it can also have a big impact on the brain, digestive system and nose. It’s just not true that it’s clearer or safer.
Its Normalisation in Nightlife and Pop Culture
From music lyrics to reality TV stars, cocaine is regularly mentioned or implied without much pushback. In club culture and student circles, it’s not uncommon to hear the drug discussed openly, even jokingly. Social media has also played a role in making cocaine appear trendy or edgy, with some influencers making subtle (or not-so-subtle) references to drug use for clout or comedy.
This kind of normalisation blurs the line between awareness and promotion. When the drug is constantly depicted as part of a fun, glamorous lifestyle, its very real dangers are easily downplayed or ignored.
Lack of Honest, Relevant Education
Drug education in schools is often outdated, overly simplistic, or fear-based. Rather than engaging young people in honest discussions about why people use drugs and the nuanced risks involved, many programmes rely on scare tactics that are easy to dismiss.
This creates a credibility gap. When young people inevitably encounter peers using cocaine without immediate consequence, it becomes easy to disregard everything they were taught. What’s needed is a more realistic, harm-reduction approach, one that empowers young people with facts and critical thinking rather than judgement or shame.
Peer Pressure and FOMO
Young people are social creatures, and fitting in often feels essential, especially in party or club settings. When cocaine use is widespread within a friend group, the pressure to join in can be intense. Some may try it simply out of curiosity or fear of missing out (FOMO), without considering the possible risks.
This group dynamic can also create a false sense of safety: “If everyone else is doing it, it can’t be that bad.” But shared habits don’t make them safe, and normalising risky behaviour only increases its potential for harm.
Underestimating the Mental Health Impact
Cocaine is a stimulant, and while it can bring short-lived feelings of confidence, euphoria, and energy, the comedown is often brutal, marked by anxiety, paranoia, irritability and depression. Regular use can worsen underlying mental health conditions and, in some cases, contribute to drug-induced psychosis.
Unfortunately, many young people don’t make the connection between cocaine and their emotional wellbeing until they’re in crisis. There’s still a strong stigma around mental health and drug use, which makes it harder to speak up or seek support early.
