Urgent action is needed to tackle alcohol and drug misuse among those in their mid-50s and older, experts have warned, with a growing body of data from around the world suggesting the problem is increasing.
More than half a million adults aged between 55 and 74 were admitted to English hospitals with alcohol-related injuries, diseases or conditions in 2015/16 – more than for any other age group, according to NHS Digital data.
While risky drinking is on the wane in the UK and Australia, those in the over-50 age bracket buck the trend. By 2020 the number of people receiving treatment for substance misuse problems is expected to double in Europe, and treble in the US, among those aged over 50.
If you’re aged over 50, we’d like you to share your thoughts and experiences of alcohol and drug misuse. What happened, and why? Did you seek help? If you received any help, can you give us the details?
You can fill in the form below, and we’ll use a selection of responses in our reporting.
You can also email: carmen.fishwick@theguardian.com
• In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here.
