£2 Billion spent on hospital admissions in England alone
Alcohol related illness rates among older people are ten times higher than among 16-24 year olds.
More NHS money is spent treating alcohol-related illness in baby boomers than young people, an Alcohol Concern report found. The cost of hospital admissions linked to heavy drinking among 55 to 74 year olds in 2010-11 was more than £825m. That was 10 times the figure for 16 to 24 year olds. In total, nearly £2bn was spent on alcohol-related in-patient admissions in England, the report found.
This comes as more than 10 million people in England are drinking above the recommended levels, according to the report.
In many ways the findings are not surprising as the effects of drinking are more likely to catch up with people later in life.
There has also been an increase in older people seeking help from Addictions UK. Simon Stephens said, “We have noticed an increase in the numbers of over 55s seeking help with addiction treatment – especially for alcohol”.
The BBC have covered this issue in their website – for further information please see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19913431
It is often much harder for older people or those clients with physical disabilities to access addictions treatment – hence the reason why Addictions UK has developed an addictions treatment for alcohol and drugs “at home” – including Home Detox services.
For further information on this subject please contact us on line or telephone us on 0800 140 4044
