News Release

November 14, 2007
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

ABC Educates Customers and Caregivers of Older Americans about Alcohol Misuse

Richmond - November may be National Family Caregiver Month, but the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) provides education information for caregivers of older Americans and with alcohol misuse problems year round. While alcohol abuse and misuse affects all people; it is a growing problem facing older Americans. In response to an act of the General Assembly that amends and reenacts 2.2-5510 of the Code of Virginia relating to the effect of the aging population on state agencies, ABC has created an Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group (AAAG) in order to educate ABC customers and caregivers about alcohol misuse among Virginia's aging population.

"Substance abuse among adults 60 and older is one of the fastest growing health challenges facing our country today," according to Regina Whitsett, ABC's education and alcohol and aging awareness group coordinator. Older adults face distinct and often underestimated risk factors for substance abuse. These age-related factors range from life-changing events, such as retirement or bereavement, to mixing alcohol with prescription and over-the-counter medications. For these reasons and others, alcohol abuse and misuse among Older Americans has become a "hidden epidemic."

Members of the AAAG meet at ABC's Central Office on the second Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the public is always invited to attend. The AAAG has established a Speakers Bureau and developed a complimentary brochure, "The Best Is Yet to Come", for all customers and caregivers.