By JOHN BREAUX

As a society, we now know so much more about the horrors of substance abuse and chemical dependency. We have countless support groups for millions of Americans caught in the tight grip of drugs and alcohol, and have helped their families cope with these illnesses. We have broken down barriers to seeking help and we have launched websites, hotlines and public service announcements to drive the notion that individuals suffering from addiction are not alone. We have also sought to educate our young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and worked to start problems before they start.

But in our quest to help those in need, a hidden epidemic has gone largely unaddressed. It is not difficult to see why this problem has slipped through the cracks. Dependency on and misuse of legal, physician-prescribed medication is difficult to track. It is misunderstood and affects a vulnerable population that historically slip through the cracks themselves – the elderly.

Prescription drug abuse and misuse among seniors is on the rise at an alarming rate. Although Americans aged 65 and older comprise only 13 percent of our population, they consume about one-third of all prescription medications. The elderly use prescription drugs almost three times as frequently as the general population and have the poorest rates of compliance with recommended directions for these medications.

Prescription drugs serve a vital lifesaving role in the treatment of ailments afflicting the elderly, and are crucial to pain management. However, far too often, the elderly misuse their prescription drugs, producing adverse side effects such as confusion, falls, memory loss and dangerous addictions. In turn, these side effects can lead family members, caretakers and health professionals to believe the elderly can no longer care for themselves and belong in nursing homes.

As chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I have the unique opportunity to hear from members of the medical community and aging advocates alike, all of whom have expressed a need for more research into the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and consequences of prescription drug misuse and abuse among America’s elderly. This need for a better understanding will only grow more dire as 77 million baby boomers reach retirement age.

Far too little is being done to address the issues unique to the health and pharmacological needs of the elderly. I urge Congress and the medical and academic communities to take a closer look at prescription drug misuse and abuse among the elderly. Research and education will provide the catalyst needed to change the perception that prescription drug misuse is not an important health concern.

Consumers need to take the time to learn more about their prescription drugs by asking a physician or pharmacist about potential side effects and seek advice on avoiding harmful drug interactions. Health care professionals also need to educate themselves on the needs of the elderly, and pass along valuable information about their daily health regimen, including the use of prescription drugs.

We need to help America’s elderly live their later years in comfort and dignity, and find not only the easiest ways, but the best ways to prevent and treat their health concerns.

JOHN BREAUX represents Louisiana in the United States Senate.