Drug use rising among older people
The Guardian newspaper in the UK has reported that, according to new National Health Service (NHS) statistics, growing numbers of middle-aged and older people are ending up in hospital after experiencing mental health problems after taking drugs. Indeed, the number of people in England aged 45 and above admitted with a drug-related mental and behavioural disorder has increased by 85 per cent over the last decade. In addition, admissions for poisoning as a result of drug misuse in those aged 55 and above has increased by 32 per cent over the last six years.
The Guardian newspaper in the UK has reported that, according to new National Health Service (NHS) statistics, growing numbers of middle-aged and older people are ending up in hospital after experiencing mental health problems after taking drugs. Indeed, the number of people in England aged 45 and above admitted with a drug-related mental and behavioural disorder has increased by 85 per cent over the last decade. In addition, admissions for poisoning as a result of drug misuse in those aged 55 and above has increased by 32 per cent over the last six years.
Experts have claimed that controversial changes in the government’s approach to drug addiction, and fewer specialist treatment services, have led to these growing numbers of admissions. “It is clear from this data that older people are suffering the consequences of cuts made to drug treatment services over recent years,” said Ian Hamilton, Associate Professor of Addiction at the University of York. “They are more likely to have had longer drug-using careers, so they will need longer in specialist drug treatment. However, unfortunately treatment services are being directed to offer abstinence-based services rather than maintaining this group on substitute drugs like methadone.”
He added that there needs to be greater availability of naloxone, a medication used to block the effect of opioids, especially in overdose, and the creation of ‘safe injection facilities’ where users can inject drugs safely.