New research targeting older drug users
New research project redresses balance by targeting older users
A major international research project has been launched to help improve the health of older people in Europe who use drugs, as existing drug policies have concentrated almost exclusively on young users. It is estimated that the number of older drug users on the continent will more than double by 2020, and that the number of over 50s needing drug treatment could have risen by up to 300 per cent, according to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) (DDN, 7 April, page 5). The project will be co-ordinated by a coalition of NGOs and academics from Poland, Germany, Austria and Scotland, with the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) the only active UK-based partner. Co-operating organisations will include the EMCDDA, the Scottish government and the European Centre for Disease Control. 'There is a growing population of senior drug dependents, aged between 35 and 45 and older in all European countries,' said SDF's director David Liddell. 'Most of them are polydrug users, often injecting opiate users - most have mental health problems and many will suffer from infectious diseases. In Scotland, a large proportion of drug related deaths occur within this age group but we also strongly suspect that many lives are cut short due to the impact of bloodborne viruses and other chronic health conditions associated with problem drug use.' Among the 30-month project's priorities will be to establish accurate numbers, ages, and genders of long term drug users up to the age of 70 in cities across the continent, as well as looking at health-related and other problems. It will also promote guidelines for community-based and residential care, identify good practice and establish what living and care arrangements drug users themselves would favour in their old age. The focus of drugs policy up to now has been almost exclusively on young people, said David Liddell. 'Only a few actions take place at national level that focus on senior drug dependents and their care and treatment needs. The Scottish Government has pledged to make Scotland a fairer and healthier country and sharpen focus on improving public health and reducing inequalities, which is why we welcome their interest in this project.' EMCDDA report Substance use among older adults - a neglected problem available at