Over-40s become a new generation of heroin addicts and binge drinkers

A report has confirmed that the number of people over 40’s and 50’s who are using cannabis is increasing rapidly.

16:35 03 March 2014

DrugScope has released a report, called ‘It’s about time: tackling substance misuse in older people’, saying that the number of people in their 40s and even 50s who are abusing drug and alcohol is rapidly increasing. The report added that there are also about 1.4 million people aged over 65 that exceed recommended drinking limits in the United Kingdom. In addition, it revealed that between 2002 and 2010, alcohol-related admissions among men aged 65 or over have jumped by 136per cent.

 

The report read: 'Use of some illicit drugs, particularly cannabis, has increased rapidly in mid-and late-life.' 

Marcus Roberts, DrugScope’s Chief Executive said: ‘Drug and alcohol policy and practice – and the attention of the media - invariably focuses on young people. 

 

‘Drugs and alcohol issues may affect older people differently, but that does not make them less real or important. 

 

‘They may be a symptom of other problems, such as loneliness and isolation, caring for a partner, bereavement or the struggle to make ends meet.’

 

He added: ‘The facts and figures in the report speak for themselves and with the numbers of older people as a percentage of the population continuing to rise, this is not an issue that we can ignore. 

 

 

‘The barriers to older people accessing help and support need to be addressed. These can range from a belief on the part of professionals that older people can’t change, to embarrassment on the part of the individual at having to ask for help.