Boomers have a far different relationship with their parents than their children have with them. While their kids may feel comfortable talking to them about anything, even a parent's flaws, the same can't be said for the World War II-bred Silent Generation.
It can make it hard for adult children to confront their parents on a number of important issues, especially regarding their health. But with nearly 2.5 million seniors battling alcohol abuse problems, it may be time for adult children of alcoholics to learn how to have an intervention with their parents.
HuffPost Live delved into this very topic, discussing the best intervention options for those whose parents suffer from alcohol abuse and dependency. Host Nancy Redd was joined by Jeff Jay, co-author of "Love First: A Family's Guide to Intervention"; Julie Bowden, a therapist and co-author of "Recovery: A Guide for Adult Children of Alcoholics"; Erin Harkes, a singer/songwriter; and psychotherapist Wendy Foreman.
For those who have either lived with their parents' alcoholism for years or those who are just recently noticing it, it can be hard to identify that there even is a problem, Redd pointed out.
"People can have a hard time identifying it," Jay agreed, "especially when they think, 'They've a job, they're functional in a lot of ways...' And yet they know their chemical dependency is a problem because it's affecting their relationship.
"Are there consequences in any important part of the person's life, and do they continue to drink and use drugs anyway?" Jay continued. "If so, that's a good indication that there is a problem, and it's probably best for the family to take action."
But what does taking action look like, and what are the mistakes people make when trying to stage an intervention for their loved one? Watch the video above to find out.
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