Helping You
Support Your
Loved One

Supporting someone who is struggling with opioids such as heroin is an incredibly difficult job. To help you navigate this difficult situation, we have resources, tools, and useful information below.

You can call the Helpline to talk to a specialist to get information and referrals tailored to you and your loved one. Specialists are available 24/7, and calls are free and confidential.

Helping You
Support Your
Loved One

Supporting someone who is struggling with opioids such as heroin is an incredibly difficult job. To help you navigate this difficult situation, we have resources, tools, and useful information below.

You can call the Helpline to talk to a specialist to get information and referrals tailored to you and your loved one. Specialists are available 24/7, and calls are free and confidential.

Do You Need Advice on
Helping Your Loved Ones?

Answer 3 simple questions to get personalized advice on supporting your loved one.

Supporting Someone Who Uses Opioids

Learn the Facts

People who are struggling to quit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl have a health condition called Opioid Use Disorder that needs proper treatment. Learn more here.

Set Boundaries

Communicate clear boundaries, and stand by them. It’s okay to tell your loved one that you don’t want drugs around you, you can’t give them money or cover for them.

Get Support for Yourself

Find a therapist who specializes in substance use counseling, and get help. Loved ones of those who use illicit opioids like fentanyl or heroin need to find support from local groups too.

Be Supportive

Let them know you care and will support them through this process. Be there to listen and talk to your loved one through stressful situations.

Find Resources

Encourage the person to seek support and help them find treatment options by connecting them with a local specialist in Opioid Use Disorder. Learn more here.

Learn About Overdose & Carry Naloxone

Overdose is becoming more and more common with those who use opioids regularly. That is because the drug supply has changed in Illinois. Fentanyl is being laced into drugs such as heroin, oxys, and benzos without people knowing. Always carry naloxone, a simple nasal spray that reverses the deadly effects of overdose.


Recovery Is Possible

The decision to start recovery has to come from the person who is struggling to quit opioids. However, you can play an important role in showing them the different options available.

Medication-Assisted Recovery is over twice as effective as other ways to quit and the only treatment option recommended by health care professionals. It offers flexible treatment options that give more independence, such as taking a daily pill at home.

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Medication-Assisted Recovery is over twice as effective as other ways to quit and the only treatment option recommended by health care professionals. It offers flexible treatment options that give more independence, such as taking a daily pill at home.

What do you need support with today?

New Supporter

Recently found out that someone I know is using opioids

Learn More

Denial

A loved one does not wish to go into recovery

Learn More

Recovery

A loved one is currently going through a recovery

Learn More

Relapse

A loved one recently relapsed

Learn More

Local Supporter Resources

Support groups—for supporters of adults who use heroin
or illicit opioids:

Families Anonymous / NAR-ANON / Helpline

Transportation—non-emergency transport support for your loved one:

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Overdose prevention training—free training to learn how to respond if your loved one overdoses:

Chicago Recovery Alliance Free Online Trainings

Overdose prevention training—free training to learn how to respond if your loved one overdoses:

Helpline

What to Know About an Overdose

Your loved one is at most risk of overdose if they have been off opioids for a while and then suddenly return to the same amount they used to take. Another factor that can put them at risk is fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and is being mixed into illicit drugs at increasing rates. This has caused a spike in overdoses among those who suffer from Opioid Use Disorder.

Start Today by Connecting
With a Specialist

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Speak With a Specialist
Call 833-234-6343

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Learn About Options
Text “HELP” to 833234