91³ÉÈ˰涶Òô

This report was commissioned by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) and presents trends in: alcohol and other drug (AOD) related hospitalisations; AOD-induced deaths (i.e., overdose and other drug-induced deaths where drugs have been deemed the underlying cause of death); AOD treatment episodes; and past year AOD use, among Australians aged ≥50 years.

Estimates in this report do not include tobacco.

Findings from this report have identified the following groups who may benefit most from interventions to reduce AOD-related harms:

• Older men;
• People aged 50-59 years;
• Older adults who use alcohol;
• Older adults who use opioids and/or benzodiazepines;
• Older adults who use amphetamine type stimulants; and
• Older adults who use cannabis.

Our findings also suggest that the following risk factors should be considered when developing such interventions:

• Using drugs at home alone;
• Remoteness area;
• Polysubstance use; and
• Psychosocial risk factors.Ìý

Findings from this report were used to determine the focus of a second report commissioned by the ADF: Strategies to reduce AOD-related harms among older adults.Ìý

• Executive Summary
• Infographics
• Report