Alcohol and drug dependency among the middle aged is placing one of the biggest burdens on the UK's health system, according to a new report by medical experts Dr Foster.

This year's annual 'My Hospital Guide' shows that, while young people continue to be targeted over anti-drink and drugs campaigns, middle-aged users are proving an unsustainable burden on the health system.

The report found that 9% of admissions for emergency care are a result of adults with a drink or drug problem.

People aged between 40 - 44 years account for the majority (19%) of those admitted to emergency care as a result of drink and drug problems.

There were 415,131 drug and alcohol-related emergency admissions in 2012/13.

36% of drug and alcohol patients were from the poorest backgrounds.

Lord Victor Adebowale, of the charity Turning Point, said: "Dr Foster’s figures show that substance misuse is a major health challenge. The increase in hospital admissions of middle-aged people dictates the need for changes across the health and care system including how we respond to people in crisis. Over 20% of admissions due to people with a drug or alcohol problem do not have a recorded GP. This is worrying, and requires a far more integrated approach to substance misuse across primary and secondary care. We need to respond earlier to the unique social impact of addiction experienced by this group in order to reduce the likelihood of intergenerational problems escalating.

"The challenge set to the health service by these figures is to consider the costs associated with substance misuse and how investment across health, social care and public health initiatives can address the barriers currently preventing people getting the support they need."

(IT/CD)