How to Help a Loved One With Opioid Addiction

It can be difficult to know how to help your loved one if they have an opioid use disorder. 

With a combination of medication like Suboxone and therapy, professional addiction treatment can help your loved one face a better future.

Opioid Misuse by the Numbers 

If you believe that your loved one may have an OUD, you are not alone: In 2019, more than 10 million people misused an opioid, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).[1] Visits to the emergency room due to opioid overdose increased by 30% in 2017 compared to the year prior, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).[2]  

Death rates associated with opioids are on the rise. The CDC reports that deaths caused by all opioids have increased by 6%, driven mostly by the 15% increase in deaths caused by synthetic opioids that have offset the 7% and 6% decreases in prescription opioid and heroin-related deaths, respectively.[3]

The good news is that there are a number of incredibly effective treatment options for OUD. With help, individuals with OUD can recover. 

Signs of Opioid Misuse

It’s important to identify the signs of opioid misuse as early as possible. Early identification leads to early treatment, which in turn decreases risk of opioid overdose and other risks associated with long-term opioid use. 

These are some signs that your loved one is under the influence of opioids:[4]

• Drowsiness or “nodding out,” where the person is incapable of holding a conversation or maintaining focus
• Complaints of being tired when asked about this behavior
• Pinpoint pupils
• Loss of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal 
• Mood swings 
• Suspicious or avoidant behaviors 
• Weight loss 
• Financial problems 
• Isolation from friends of family 
• Flu like symptoms or frequent illness 

Signs of Opioid Overdose

These are signs of an opioid overdose:[5]

• Unresponsive despite yelling their name or shaking them
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Slowed or stopped heartbeat
• Bluish tinge to the skin and nails
• Vomiting and/or gurgling sounds

If you believe that your loved one is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if available. 

Talking to Loved Ones About Addiction

Talking to someone you love about their addiction can be tricky. It’s important to be kind and supportive but also to make it clear that things have to change going forward. 

Here are a few tips: 

• Choose your words carefully, and be kind.[6]
• Avoid blaming them for their addiction. Say, “It’s time we get help,” rather than, “Its time you get treatment.” This shows that you are in it together. 
• Make your boundaries and expectations clear. 
• Listen to their concerns, fears, and responses even if they are blaming and hurtful. Perhaps they have a valuable insight or perspective to share about their own motivations for their continued use. 

The primary goal of talking to someone about their addiction is not to blame them for the results of their substance misuse. Make it clear that you love them and support them in getting the help they need to recover but that you will not support their continued misuse of substances. This can mean no longer providing financial support, covering for them at work or with other family members, bailing them out of jail, or giving them a place to live. 

It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s an essential first step toward change. 

Naloxone & Narcan 

Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a medication that, when used correctly on someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose, can save lives.[7] 

Narcan works by binding to the opioid receptors that have become overloaded by opioids and “kicking them off,” so they are no longer active, reversing respiratory suppression and preventing overdose. 

Available in the form of a nasal spray, naloxone is easy for a friend or family member to administer to someone in an overdose. Administering the drug takes just a few steps:[8]

• Call 911 first.
• Open the package and remove the spray bottle.
• Tilt the person’s head back and spray half the naloxone into one nostril and the other half into the other nostril.
• Start rescue breathing if needed. 
• If there is no change within the first three to five minutes, administer another dose. 
• If two doses cause no change, there may be another issue that requires treatment. 

Friends and family members of people living with addiction are encouraged to always have at least two doses of naloxone on hand at all times. Naloxone is available over the counter at most drug stores without a prescription.[9]

Taking Care of Yourself 

Though it can be overwhelming and even exhausting to continually keep up with the emotional fallout and difficulties that arise due to a loved one’s opioid misuse, it is important to prioritize self-care. 

This means making sure that you are eating healthfully, getting good sleep, exercising regularly, and most importantly, staying in contact with people who can help you to keep everything in perspective and get help for yourself and your loved one. Many support groups exist for family members of those with OUD. 

Understand Treatment Options for OUD

The best treatment options for someone living with an OUD will almost always include a combination of the following:[10]

• Medication, like Suboxone, to support ongoing recovery
• One-on-one therapy that helps them to address issues that may have led to opioid misuse in the first place 
• Medical treatment for chronic pain if pain itself is one of the drivers for the opioid misuse 
• Family therapy 
• Group therapy that provides new social support away from people who are still using drugs

Resources for Family & Friends

• Al-Anon: This 12-step-based group is a good place to find other people who have family members living with substance use disorders or who are in recovery. Alateen is an offshoot organization designed to support teenagers. 
• Nar-Anon: This 12-step-based group is less available than Al-Anon, but its focus is on the use of other substances in loved ones struggling with opioid use disorder. It may be more helpful in terms of providing actionable resources specific to opioid addiction. 
• SMART Recovery Family & Friends: This is a secular support group that focuses on science to support its members as they cope with a loved one’s SUD. 

Opioid Misuse FAQs

How does OUD affect families?

OUD can destroy families, damage relationships, finances, and overall quality of life. However, comprehensive treatment can help to mend relationships and build families back stronger. There is always hope for families in recovery.

How do you cope when a loved one has an addiction?

If your loved one is dealing with addiction, you need support as much as they do. Do not shy away from asking for help from a therapist, primary care physician, or support group. You can’t effectively help your loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.

What is the best treatment for OUD? 

The best treatment for OUD will address the physical as well as the psychological nature of addiction and any underlying mental health or medical disorders. Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is the recommended approach for opioid use disorders. Suboxone is the preferred medication due to its availability and effectiveness. The other option is methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).