Substance misuse in older people

A new editorial publlished in the British Medical Journal describes how rates of alcohol and drug use among Australian Baby Boomers are increasing significantly. This is in contrast to younger age groups, where use is decreasing.

According to the editorial:

Developed countries have seen substantial increases in longevity over the past 20 years, contributing to a global demographic shift. The number of older people (aged over 50) experiencing problems from substance misuse is also growing rapidly, with the numbers receiving treatment expected to treble in the United States and double in Europe by 2020.1

To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j3885