Worrying Substance Use Trends among over 50s
In 2011, the Royal College of Psychiatrists advised that over 50s should not exceed more than 11 units of alcohol a week, compared with 14 for the rest of the adult population, due to age-related physiological and metabolic changes.
Since then, voices of concern among substance use professionals have only grown louder following the recent release of figures which seem to indicate that alcohol and drug consumption among the over 50s is increasing globally.
In the UK in 2015/16, for example, more than half a million 55-74 year olds were admitted to hospital for alcohol-related injury or illness. This was more than any other age group.
Moreover, experts warn that the issue goes beyond excessive drinking: “It is not just about alcohol, it is also about illicit drugs such as cannabis, and it is also about commonly prescribed medications such as opioid painkillers”, says Dr Tony Rao.
Indeed, while drinking and drugs tend to be associated with younger generations, by 2020, the number of over 50s receiving treatment for substance use disorders is expected to double in Europe and treble in the US.
Suggestions to tackle the problem include:
- Specially developed intervention programmes that cater to older adults.
- Better integrated healthcare responses. For example, patients visiting hospitals for health problems ranging from liver disease to dementia could also be offered screenings for issues relating to alcohol and drug use.
- Price increases and tighter controls on alcohol promotions.