Hospitals in England treated a record 7,484 individuals aged 50 and over last year for mental health issues linked to cocaine use, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. These cases encompass a range of mental and behavioral problems such as psychosis, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Experts warn these figures likely underrepresent the full scope of cocaine-related harm, as they do not include incidents involving heart attacks, strokes, or overdoses associated with the drug.
The rise in treatment numbers coincides with an observable trend of increased cocaine use among older adults, driven in part by factors such as bereavement, social isolation, divorce, and job-related stress. The drug’s cost has decreased, and its availability has increased, with some reports suggesting it has become a socially acceptable alternative to alcohol in certain middle-class social circles.
Zaheen Ahmed, head of therapy at The UKAT Group, a private addiction treatment provider, described the figures as a “wake-up call.” Ahmed highlighted two common misconceptions surrounding cocaine use: that it is primarily a young person’s issue, and that long-term use without immediate health problems means future immunity to its effects. Many over-50s seeking treatment are not lifelong users but rather individuals who relapse later in life, often due to deteriorating mental health, loneliness, or grief. Ahmed noted these users may find it more difficult to quit upon returning to the drug, which has become more potent, while their personal resilience may have lessened.
The demographic shift is striking. Older adults now represent more than 25% of patients treated for cocaine-related mental and behavioral problems, compared with about 11% a decade ago. Treatment cases among those in their 50s have tripled over ten years, and among those aged 60 and over—sometimes referred to as “silver snorters”—cases have increased sixfold, reaching 2,139 last year.
Across all age groups, incidents related to cocaine use rose 17% over the past year, with 424 reported episodes of psychosis—a 46% increase and the highest figure in ten years. Deaths attributed to cocaine have been rising for 13 consecutive years in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The National Crime Agency noted that large South American coca harvests have reduced prices and increased purity, contributing to the drug’s rising availability and addictive potential. To address drug and alcohol dependency, local councils in England have been allocated £1.1 billion in public health funding this year for treatment services.
An NHS spokesperson emphasized that cocaine use can adversely affect mental health and behavior across all ages, and that individuals over 50 face heightened risks of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Ahmed added that addiction knows no age limit and encouraged those struggling to seek help regardless of their stage in life.