Opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD) as it is now known, is a national public health epidemic. Approximately 3 million people in the U.S. and 16 million individuals across the globe have or currently struggle with OUD. Examples of opioids include morphine, heroine, codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycontin.
The surge in the misuse of opioid drugs affects than the person using the drugs. It ruins families, relationships, ends careers, and of course, can end a person’s life. If you have a friend or loved one with an opioid addiction, you may be wondering how to cope with it. You probably wonder how you can help or what you should do.
Path to improved health
First, if you have a loved one who is struggling with OUD, consider keeping Narcan with you at all times. Narcan is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that rapidly reverses a drug overdose. This free nasal spray became available without prescription in 2023. Vending machines stocked with Narcan are being placed in public places of high need in cities and counties across the country. First responders also carry Narcan. So, call 911 if you suspect your loved one has overdosed. If your loved one has overdosed, you simply spray it into one nostril of the person who has overdosed. If you acted early enough, it should reverse the overdose.
Next, watching someone you care about struggle with addiction is incredibly difficult. It can make you feel helpless. You may feel like you are not prepared to help. You may even try to convince yourself that your loved one doesn’t have a problem.
The best thing you can do if you suspect your loved one is abusing opioids is educate yourself about addiction. This can help you spot the warning signs of addiction, including:
- A change in personality.This can include mood swings and doing things that are out of character.
- No interest in usual activities.Someone who is becoming dependent on opioids may not enjoy things they used to enjoy doing.
- Continuing to use opioids despite the negative effects.Signs of this may include being sleepy during the day or falling asleep at odd times. They just can’t seem to stay awake or focus.
- Being focused on satisfying their craving for opioids. They may change doctors frequently or see multiple doctors. A person who has an opioid addiction may also use multiple pharmacies to help hide their addiction. They may call for early refills or claim they lost their medication.
- Lie and steal. People addicted to opioids will do anything to satisfy their craving for the drugs. This includes lying and stealing, including stealing from family members.
Talk about it
It can be challenging to talk to your loved one about their opioid addiction. It is common for them to be defensive about using opioids. They will likely deny that they have a problem. They may even become angry.
It may be easier to talk to them with the help of another person. You could enlist the help of a substance abuse counselor, a guidance counselor, a clergy member, or even another family member.
Some people choose to have what is called an intervention. This is where a group of people come together to have a conversation with a friend or family member about their addiction. Interventions can be helpful when your loved one has already denied having a problem. They also are useful when that person may admit they have a problem but refuse to get help.
Whichever way you choose to talk to your friend or family member, do it with love and support. Avoid blaming them for their addiction. It is important to encourage them to seek help for their addiction. It is also important to let them know they are not alone. Addiction is a disease that can happen to anyone of any race, any social class, or any religion.
Recovery programs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This helpline (800-662-HELP) is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral information service. It is available in English and Spanish, and provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers also can order free publications and other information.
You also can turn to your family doctor. They can diagnose OUD and offer treatment. There are medicines that are effective for the treatment of opioid disorders, especially when combined with behavioral therapy. These medicines are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for treating opioid use disorder and addition: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Family and friends support groups
Addiction takes a toll on families. It strains friendships. It’s easy to blame yourself. Or you may be tempted to “cut off” your loved one who is struggling with their addiction. On the other hand, you may find yourself excusing their behavior and enabling their addiction. All these emotions are common.
Consider joining a support group that can offer guidance during this stressful and confusing time. There are Nar-Anon Family Groups that offer worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. There is also Narateen for teens affected by someone else’s addiction. There are other support groups, too. Many are regional. Most offer options for online support. Your family doctor is often the best place to start when looking for a support group.
Things to consider
If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD and have been prescribed pain medicine for an injury or surgery, talk to your doctor. Tell them that you have OUD and need to avoid opioids to recover from the injury or surgery. Your doctor may have a plan to successfully treat the pain and reduce your risk of relapsing.
Opioid addiction puts a strain on relationships. It is difficult to watch a loved one struggle and suffer with addiction. It also can be alarming to see what addiction does to their personality. Addiction can cause drastic changes in behavior, too. It can drive a wedge between people who were close.
It is important to never stop encouraging your loved one. Their road to recovery may be a long one. They may relapse. It will not be easy for either of you. You will need to set limits or boundaries. If your loved one is a close family member, you may need to set these limits to guard your finances or your home.
Keep in mind that opioid addiction is a chronic illness. It should be treated the same as other chronic illnesses. Like those, it should continually be managed and monitored. Your loved one has an addiction, but it’s also an illness. When you think in those terms, it may be easier to offer your unconditional love and support for them.
Opioid addiction does not have a clear link to genetics. This means is doesn’t seem to be something that runs in families, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, people who have family members with addiction seem to be at higher risk of addiction. This could be because of lifestyle or environmental factors.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How can I tell if a loved one is misusing opioids?
- If a loved one is misusing opioids, does this mean they are addicted to them?
- Should I confront a loved one about their opioid addiction?
- Can a loved one overcome addiction on their own?
- How can I tell if a loved one is experiencing opioid withdrawals?
- Is there a test that can show if someone has been using opioids?
- What are pain medicines that can be used instead of opioids?
Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Recognizing Opioid Abuse
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Naloxone Drug Facts
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Opioid Addiction
Last Updated:
This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
