Lack of access to ADHD treatment and support from the NHS is driving people to self-medicate using illegal cannabis, a charity has claimed.
People are opting for “private” options or self-medicating “because when you’re deprived by the NHS of good choices, you make bad choices,” Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK said.
Mr Shelford – who has the neurological condition himself – said: “The options of formal medication are years away … and you need to survive in that time.
“It’s supposed to be a target of 18 weeks! It is laughable – people are waiting years.”
The lengthy appointment waits – sometimes up to five years – are in part due to the sharp rise in referrals.
The ADHD Foundation report a 400% increase in the number of adults seeking a diagnosis since 2020.
Main symptoms include persistent difficulties with maintaining attention, hyperactivity and managing impulses.
According to ADHD UK, 2.6 million people in the UK have diagnosed ADHD.
An additional two million people are thought to be living with the condition – without a diagnosis – due to mistreatment and misdiagnosis by medical professionals.
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Image: Kris Witham was diagnosed with ADHD at age 29
Kris Witham was diagnosed with ADHD as a 29-year-old.
Upon diagnosis, he tried four traditional treatment methods – Ritalin, Elvanse, Melatonin and talking therapy.
None proved to be as effective as he hoped.
‘Life-changing’ impact of smoking cannabis
Unwittingly, Kris had been self-medicating for just under 15 years, prior to his diagnosis.
He was smoking cannabis illegally since age 15 – and said the subsequent impact on his condition was “life-changing”.
Now aged 30 and with an official diagnosis, Kris says he regularly consumes medical cannabis to help manage his symptoms, which at times can be “debilitating”.
He always carries his cannabis with him – and keeps a doctor’s note alongside it.
In 2018, specialist doctors were given the option to legally issue prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines – if they thought their patients could benefit from it.
Kris’ prescription includes tailored strands of cannabis flower imported from Canada, which he grinds and heats up in a vaporiser three times a day.
“Cannabis has always been stigmatised. I always thought I was doing something wrong … which I was in terms of the law, but morally and medically, not so much,” he said.
“I’d use cannabis and clean my house … do my schoolwork. It stopped me shouting out in class; it helped me sit still; it helped me sleep, focus and relax.
Jon Robson, founder of medical cannabis business MaMedica which supplies Kris, told Sky News that businesses like his are “plugging a gap” the NHS is failing to provide – a “last resort” for those who are simply desperate for relief.
“What we’ve seen is an increase in demand from patients who suffer from psychiatry conditions, who are feeding back that the medication we’re prescribing is helping them come off traditional medications – which sometimes can cause side effects,” he said.
“[Cannabis] is aiding them in living a more normal life.”
A government spokesperson said: “We know how vital it is to have timely diagnoses for ADHD, and we are committed to improving access to treatment and support following a diagnosis.
“The NHS Long Term Plan commits an additional £2.3bn a year for the expansion and transformation of mental health services in England by March 2024 so that an additional two million people can get the NHS-funded mental health support that they need.
“While specialist clinicians can prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use, cannabis does remain controlled under Class B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.”
Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, after Alessia Russo scored an equaliser to send the game to a shootout.
Nowhere was the roar for the Lionesses louder than in the Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare club on the outskirts of Manchester.
The club where a five-year-old Ella Toone started her journey to England stardom, like so many places across the country, hosted nail-biting, table-thumping and, ultimately, deafening watch parties.
The roof almost came off the clubhouse when Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty went in.
Red bucket hats emblazoned with Toone’s now-famous ‘Buzzing My Head Off’ catchphrase were thrown in the air.
“Absolutely ecstatic,” said Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, who runs the pathway development for women and girls at the club.
“I was very nervous, very worried about penalties but we did it in the end.”
The success of the Lionesses has driven a huge boom in the popularity of women’s and girls football in recent years. She hopes this win will have a similar effect.
“I hope it cements the girls who are already here, keeps them engaged, and I hope it brings more girls down who want to be footballers and see that it’s open for everybody.”
It had been a pretty sombre watch for much of the game after Spain took the lead – but it erupted into life after Alessia Russo’s equaliser.
The shootout was the usual emotional rollercoaster but young fans seem to have greater faith in the Lionesses.
Among the jubilant teenagers celebrating in the clubhouse were two who have followed Toone’s path to academies at professional clubs.
“It’s unbelievable, they’re amazing, Chloe Kelly, I just don’t know what to say about her,” said Natasha Greenhouse. “We knew if it went to penalties that they’d do it.”
Tamsin Gallagher said: “They’ve done it the hard way all the way through the Euros but we all believed in them. Come on England.”
The party in Manchester and around the country and only just begun.
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16:49
‘I am so incredibly proud’
Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who were in attendance at St Jakob-Park in Basel, added on social media: “What a game!
“Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.”
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In a post on the official Royal Family account on X, King Charles also sent his “most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025” to the Lionesses.
“For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’,” he said.
“As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.”
The monarch ended his statement by saying “the next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.”
Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said “well done” to the team and “what an absolutely fantastic watch,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “What an achievement. What a team!”
A man has died after suffering cardiac arrest onboard a boat attempting to reach the UK.
The vessel turned back towards Equihen beach on the French coast yesterday morning.
A nurse tried to resuscitate the man but was unsuccessful.
Image: Pic: PA
French authorities have now launched an investigation into the circumstances.
A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, has criticised authorities on both sides of the Channel.
Jacob Burns said: “Yet again we have a tragedy in the Channel, that is the consequence of the deadly, costly and ineffective security policies implemented by the UK and France.”
Image: Pic: PA
Later on Saturday, a lifeboat carried migrants who have made the voyage into the Port of Dover.
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Photographs showed them huddled under blankets and orange life jackets on board.
“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”
So often they were only watching other nations making finals.
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England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.
Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters
Image: Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters
Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.
Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.
Image: England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters
But this is Spain’s first Euros final.
And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.
Image: England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP
Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.
But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.
It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.
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2:10
Spain’s players struggle for respect
“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.
“I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”
It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.
Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.