Baby boomers with a relaxed attitude to drugs are increasingly being admitted to hospital with mental health problems, new NHS figures have revealed.

Admissions for drug related mental and behavioural disorders for those aged 45 and over have increased by 85 per cent over the last decade, compared with just a one per cent rise amongst those under 45.

There has also been a 32 per cent increase in admissions for poisoning as a result of drug use in those aged 55 and over in the last six years, according to NHS Digital.

Experts have warned that the older' generation is in denial over alcohol and drug abuse and is less likely to accept they have a problem than younger people.

Some blamed the latest figures on Government cuts to drug treatment services and the controversial change in strategy from harm reduction to focusing more on complete recovery.

Ian Hamilton, associate professor of addiction at the University of York, told the Guardian: “The (older generation) are more likely to have had longer drug-using careers, so they will need longer in specialist drug treatment.

“However, unfortunately treatment services are being directed to offer abstinence-based services rather than maintaining this group on substitute drugs like methadone.