Story perspectives
Surge in Cocaine Use Among Pensioners Linked to Loneliness
10/7/2025
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Story summary
- National Health Service (NHS) data show a 33% rise in pensioners' cocaine admissions from March 2023 to March 2024, with 723 over-65 patients.
- The rise links to unresolved health issues and loneliness, with some older adults using cocaine to cope.
- Cocaine use among older adults has risen four and a half times since 2014-15; UK reported 873,000 users in 2020.
