According to a study recently published by the American Psychological Association, about 50 percent of substance abuse counselors believe that it's acceptable for some alcohol abusers* to have an occasional drink as an intermediate or final treatment goal. When it comes to drug abusers, about half of counselors accept moderate drug use as an intermediate treatment goal, while only one-third of counselors accept it as a final goal.

A government report released earlier this year predicts that by 2020 the number of adults over age 50 in need of substance abuse treatment will double from the current annual average of 2.8 million to an estimated 5.7 million per year.

Throughout history people have used and abused drugs and alcohol in various forms. There has been drug abuse as far back as there has been availability of substances to change the way people feel.