Summary
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has published a second edition of the “Our Invisible Addicts” report, which presents updates to evidence concerning mental health aspects of alcohol and substance misuse in the “baby boomer” generation. It advises that substance misuse amongst older people is an increasing – if under-recognised – problem. The main section headings comprise:
- Working group (the Older Persons’ Substance Misuse Working Group).
- Executive summary.
- Key recommendations.
- Introduction.
- Notes and thoughts from a patient.
- Public health and substance misuse in older people.
- Assessment of substance misuse.
- Alcohol-related brain damage and physical complications of substance misuse.
- Treatment.
- Service delivery and implementation.
- Education and training.
- Ethical and legal considerations for older people with substance misuse.
- Research and development.
- Conclusion.
- References.
- Appendix: examples of evidence-based guidelines.
- Abbreviations.
- Glossary.
- Models of service.
Reference
Older Persons’ Substance Misuse Working Group of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2018). Our invisible addicts. 2nd edition. London: Royal College of Psychiatrists, March 2018. (Royal College of Psychiatrists Report CR211).
Probably of interest, regarding NHS prescription of powerful painkillers.
Reference
Rhodes, D. (2018). NHS accused of fuelling rise in opioid addiction. London: BBC Health News, March 15th 2018.
“The prescribing rate of opioid painkillers in parts of northern England is four times higher than in London”. Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day was on August 31st 2018. Wiley, the journals publisher, made available a selection of freely downloadable articles to enhance the Overdose Awareness Day debate.
Estimated Burden of Alcohol-Related NHS and Hospital Care
Alcohol-related medical conditions cost the NHS in the UK roughly £3.5 billion per year. One in five UK hospital patients drink alcohol harmfully.
Reference
Alcohol abuse affects one in five UK inpatients, study suggests. London: BBC Health News, July 4th 2019.
International Opioid Addiction Statistics
Possibly of interest, concerning an Office for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report:
Reference
Pym, H. (2019). Opioid addiction numbers to be revealed for the first time. London: BBC Health News, July 30th 2019.
Prescription Drugs Overuse / Dependency
Excessive use of strong painkillers, antidepressants and sleeping tablets:
Reference
Triggle, N. (2019). Too many hooked on prescription drugs – health chiefs. London: BBC Health News, September 10th 2019.
