Earlier this week I attended an event at Stormont to mark 15 years of alcohol and drug treatment charity Addiction NI's work helping older people overcome their substance misuse problems. A few minutes after the event concluded, my Dad called to say that a family friend had died last night. Cause: chronic alcohol addiction and misuse. The funeral takes place later today.

I've been serving on Addiction NI's 'Executive Committee' for the last two years, mainly helping to rebrand the charity (formerly known as NICAS), and initiate fundraising activities.

You might not realise it, but lots of older people (55+) struggle with addiction problems, due to chronic misuse, loneliness, depression and myriad other reasons. Over the past decade the number of older people reporting with addiction problems has almost doubled, and recent figures show that over 40% of people attending Addiction NI were female. Every day in the UK over 700 people celebrate their 65th birthday.

Addiction problems in older people are largely hidden. We don't see shock-tactic billboards and TV ads with Grannies and Grandads blitzed on a Saturday night session, its all focused on alcopop-guzzling young people. Older people tend to avoid participating in drink fueled fist fights and abusing A&E staff of an evening. Instead, they drink alone, at home. Friends and families dwindle as the years roll on, and there's no one left to care in many cases. What's more astonishing, is that NI Health Services make no special provision for treatment of substance abuse in older people. None. Too late to save?

The Addiction NI event saw two courageous 'service users' get up in front of a packed audience to describe how they found themselves to be addicted to alcohol. One had suffered several traumatic life events including retirement, and found himself drinking more and more in an effort to soften the blows. The other had been a serious drinker since his 20s. Both men, with the help of Addiction NI, had overcome their addiction problems, and overcome their personal shame and regret to tell us 'civilians' about their challenging journeys. Neither man professed to be 'cured' but rather in a place of insight and understanding of their own mind-state and predicament. They found a way to change, unfortunately my Dad's friend never had the chance.

I'm proud to help Addiction NI battle the stigma of alcohol and drug addiction, to give more people a chance. Visit http://addictionni.com/help/older-persons-service/ for more info about Addiction NI's service, which also provides help for friends and family affected by substance misuse.

Also, if you're in Belfast next Friday 30th September, please consider bringing some friends to our fundraising pub quiz and disco, at The Errigle Inn, starting at 7.30. (more info on our facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110426222388956)