Drug misuse in older people: old problems and new challenges

Abstract

Summary Very little attention has been paid to the invisible epidemic of substance misuse among older people in the UK. This article looks at the prevalence of substance misuse in the people over the age of 60. The reasons for difficulty in diagnosing substance misuse are explored and ways to improve diagnostic ability are discussed. Substance misuse leads to severe physical and psychiatric morbidity that is being managed by meagre resources. The article provides recommendations on specific issues related to interventions, biological and psychosocial, and training of psychiatrists.