Pensioners snorting cocaine skyrockets as UK hospitals in crisis

Hospitals are witnessing a startling and concerning new phenomenon - elderly patients arriving not due to bingo accidents, but following cocaine use.

Fresh NHS figures have revealed that 723 pensioners required hospital treatment between March 2023 and March 2024 for cocaine-related complications, including several in their 90s.

Numerous individuals are turning to the Class A substance in attempts to address health problems that cannot be resolved through the NHS. The health service data shows those requiring medical intervention included 70 aged 75-79, 28 in their 80s and eight who were in their 90s.

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Whilst 156 OAPs received treatment for long-term dependencies, others required care for withdrawal symptoms, depression or psychosis potentially triggered by cocaine consumption, reports the Express.

Out of the 23,644 individuals treated for the highly addictive substance, pensioners accounted for 3%. However, over-65 admissions were a third higher than in 2022-23 and four and a half times higher than in 2014-15, when 164 of them received medical attention.

Zaheen Ahmed, from drug addiction specialists UKAT, said: "Some older people experiment with cocaine because they have more disposable income, fewer responsibilities, and more free time. Others may be using it as a way to cope with loneliness, bereavement or the mental health challenges that can come with ageing."

According to The Sun, the specialist added that those who used it when younger may be returning, not realising that age-related health conditions and prescribed medication make it much more dangerous. Cocaine (hydrochloride), a white powder derived from the coca plant, is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system.

Typically snorted through the nose, it boosts dopamine levels in the brain, leading to immediate feelings of euphoria, heightened alertness and chattiness. However, these fleeting effects can swiftly lead to addiction as users are tempted to take cocaine repeatedly to sustain the euphoric sensations.

Cocaine can also induce anxiety and trigger paranoid thoughts. The UK has earned the dubious title of being Europe's cocaine capital, with an estimated 873,000 individuals using the drug in 2020, according to UKAT. In that same year, England and Wales recorded 777 deaths due to cocaine poisoning.

In the UK, possession of cocaine is viewed as a grave offence. Classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the repercussions can be harsh.

Even being caught with a small quantity can result in arrest, criminal charges and a lasting criminal record. Possession of a Class A substance can result in up to seven years' imprisonment, while Class B drugs - including cannabis and ketamine - can lead to up to five years.

The NHS has been contacted by The Mirror for further comments.