Supporting a parent

Many adult children of parents with addiction took on adult roles early, learned to stay quiet, or became very good at predicting moods. Those skills helped then, and can be exhausting now. Groups such as Al-Anon and therapists familiar with family addiction can help.

• Decide what kind of contact is healthy for you.
• Be aware of withdrawal and medication risks if they are older — falls and dangerous combinations are more likely.
• Help them find treatment that suits older adults if relevant.
• You are allowed to step back for your own wellbeing.