DEAR ABBY: My 17-year-old granddaughter is dating a 19-year-old boy. He recently confided in me that he has been drinking alcohol. (He found a place that doesn’t check ID.)

At first, he said, it was one or two beers on the weekends. Then he started getting drunk every weekend. Now he’s getting drunk during the week. He said my granddaughter is aware, but I’m not sure if she knows how much he’s drinking.

They say they plan a future together, and this is what makes the drinking so concerning. I’ve seen firsthand what alcohol can do to a family. He says he won’t become an alcoholic, but I know it can happen without realizing it until it’s too late. Is there anything I can do to help these young people? Other than the drinking, he is a nice, respectful boy. — WORRIED GRANDMA IN OHIO

DEAR GRANDMA: From what you have written, this nice, respectful young adult has developed a dependency on alcohol. Warn your granddaughter about what this may mean for her future.

And, if you can find out who has been selling alcohol to underage youth, turn the person in. Please!

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.