The number of old age ‘silver snorters’ who have ended up in hospital for cocaine use has skyrocketed by a third in just two years.
As many as 723 pensioners sought medical help for the Class A drug in the year until March 2025, with eight of those above the age of 90.
That figure was four and a half times higher than a decade ago, when just 164 were seen by doctors.
The latest data shows 28 elderly cocaine users in their 80s needed hospital care, while 70 were aged between 75 and 79.
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Fact check – Is there really a cocaine crisis among the elderly?
While 723 silver snorters may sound like a lot, there are roughly 12.6 million people in the UK who are age of 65 and over.
That accounts for 19% of the population, although that is projected to reach 25% by 2050.
More than 23,600 people were treated for cocaine in the last year of data – with pensioners only accounting for three per cent of that number.
While there could be factors fuelling the spike in elderly cocaine use, the rise could just be part of a naturally aging population.
More than 150 of these were battling a long term cocaine addiction.
The other OAPs who visited hospital for problems with the drug needed treatment for withdrawal, depression or psychosis that may have been caused by cocaine.
The majority also got help with other conditions after being admitted.
Zaheen Ahmed of drug addiction experts UKAT told The Sun: ‘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.’
He worries that some of the elderly may be returning to the habit from their younger days, without realising age-related health conditions and prescribed medication can make the drug more dangerous.
Pensioners have been behind daring cocaine crimes in recent years.
Canadian Ronald Lord, 71, was jailed for six years in September after he tried to smuggle £640,000 worth of the drug into UK with his mobility scooter.
Border force officers discovered the cocaine after they X-ray scanned the vehicle, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
The NCA has said Britain is home to the biggest cocaine market in Europe.
There were 1,100 cocaine-related fatalities in 2023, a staggering rise from just 11 recorded in 1993.
The highest death rate from the drug is ‘Generation X’ men, particularly those aged 40-49, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
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