Alcohol abuse among older adults is something few want to talk about or deal with. Too often family members are ashamed of the problem and choose not to address it.

Health care providers tend not to ask older patients about alcohol abuse if it wasn't a problem in their live in earlier years. Sometimes the symptoms are mistaken for those of dementia, depression, or other problems common to older adults. Unfortunately, too many older persons turn to alcohol as a comfort following the death of a spouse, a divorce, retirement, or some other major life change, unaware that they are markedly affecting the quality of their lives.

Age at first use is an important predictor of the potential for serious substance-abuse problems later in life. The increase in the proportion of admissions for drug use before age 13 should be a wake-up call to parents to speak with their children early and often about the dangers of drug use.

Age at first use is an important predictor of the potential for serious substance abuse problems later in life. The increase in the proportion of admissions for drug use before age 13 should be a wake-up call to parents to speak with their children early and often about the dangers of drug use.

We've made a quantum leap forward in our efforts to prevent the use and abuse of alcohol. We've taken a strong stance and made some progress. Attitudes have changed. We're all in this together, shaping the way kids grow up and look at the idea of drinking.

We don't want to be complacent about drug an alcohol abuse.