What to Do If You Find Out a Loved One Is Using Opioids

Finding out a loved one is using opioids can be shocking and upsetting. But know you are not alone, and there are many ways to help support your loved one to recover.

What to Do If You Find Out a Loved One Is Using Opioids

Finding out a loved one is using opioids can be shocking and upsetting. But know you are not alone, and there are many ways to help support your loved one to recover.

What to Know About Regular Opioid Use:

Opioid usage can lead to Opioid use disorder (OUD), also known as addiction. This is a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to a physical or mental reliance on opioids. Over time opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, or oxycodone, affects the part of the brain, making it think it needs opioids to survive just as it would food, water, or companionship. Its focus, above all else, is getting more opioids, making it nearly impossible to resist cravings and urges to use. OUD isn’t a personal failure or something to be ashamed of. Instead, it is a disease that can be treated with medicine, just like other common diseases, such as diabetes.

How to Support Someone With OUD?

Learn the Facts

People 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 and that 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.

Carry Naloxone

Always be prepared and ready to protect your loved one by carrying naloxone, a simple nasal spray that reverses the deadly effects of an overdose.

Learn the Facts

People 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 and that you can’t give them money or cover for them.

Recovery is Possible!

It is understandable to feel shocked to find out a loved one may have OUD, but know that most people do go on to recover and live healthy and productive lives. However, they must receive the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment Options

One of the most successful ways to treat OUD is Medication-Assisted Recovery, medications that help block cravings and withdrawals and support a sustained recovery. There are three medication options to consider:

B

Buprenorphine

(Suboxone®, Subutex®, Probuphine®)

Type:

Daily pill, dissolvable strip, or monthly injection

Location:

Prescription pills can be taken at home, injection is given at a clinic

Support:

Can be paired with optional counseling

Benefit:

Can be taken after you’ve been opioid-free for just 12–24 hours, can be taken at home, helps with cravings and withdrawal symptoms

N

Naltrexone

Type:

Monthly injection or tablet

Location:

Given at a clinic

Support:

Can be paired with optional counseling

Benefit:

Gives you the most independence and reduces opioid cravings

M

Methadone

Type:

Daily liquid medication

Location:

Given at a clinic

Support:

Daily clinician support and optional counseling

Benefit:

Daily clinic visits give you added structure to your recovery and a daily check-in on your progress.

The Steps to Treatment are

  1. Talk to your loved one about the different recovery options, and offer to support them by meeting with a specialist

  2. Find local healthcare provider options to share with your loved one

  3. Help them get to their appointment

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

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