Tip: Advice on spotting and stopping substance abuse

Some boomers and seniors are hiding a secret: They are substance abusers.

According to the Hazelden Foundation, a not-for-profit company that operates several addiction treatment centers around the country, the most commonly abused substance by older adults is alcohol followed by prescription drugs. If you believe a loved one has a problem with alcohol or drugs, you and other family members may want to stage an "intervention" where you will ask the person to seek treatment.

For advice on how to spot substance abuse among older adults and, if necessary, stage an intervention, Hazelden offers a free pamphlet. To download it, go to hazelden.org and click on the link "How to help an older adult with substance abuse problems" under the "News and Events" heading or go to http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/document/ip_talkolderperson.pdf