How can families help someone recovering from opioid use disorder?

Support from family and friends is a vital and encouraging factor in the journey to recover from opioid use disorder (OUD). Recovery is not always an easy path; it is often a complex journey that requires patience and understanding from those around the person in recovery [2]. Family plays a pivotal role, but it is important to remember that the responsibility for recovery rests primarily with the individual; no one can "fix" another person, and it is unfair to place the burden of healing entirely on the shoulders of family or friends [2].

Practical strategies to support someone in recovery

If a family member is seeking recovery or is already in the recovery stage, you can take positive steps to support them. It is essential to note that helping someone with an addiction does not mean engaging in enabling behaviors, but rather providing a supportive environment. If you feel guilty or hurt while trying to help, it is vital to seek support for yourself as well, as there are dedicated support groups for loved ones and relatives who also need assistance [2].

• Awareness and Education: Educate yourself about the nature of this disorder as a chronic brain disease that requires medical treatment, not just a lack of willpower [1].
• Open Communication: Encourage the person to talk to you, but without assigning blame. Be a good listener and support their decisions to adhere to treatment plans.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: You may sometimes need to love and support the person from a distance to protect your own mental and emotional health. These boundaries are not cruel; they are necessary for sustained, long-term support [2].
• Encouraging Medical Follow-up: Remind the recovering individual of the importance of attending doctor appointments and counseling, as Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) combined with behavioral therapy is the gold standard for recovery [1].

When is assistance an emergency?

Those in recovery are at risk of relapse, and it is crucial for families to be aware of the signs of an overdose, as returning to opioid use after a period of abstinence (especially when tolerance has been lost) significantly increases the risk of death [3]. Symptoms of an overdose requiring immediate emergency assistance include: slow or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, snoring or gurgling sounds, blue or gray lips or fingernails, pale skin, and notably constricted ("pinpoint") pupils [1].

It is crucial to know that naloxone is an emergency medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death if administered quickly [1]. Be sure to consult with a doctor about its availability and how to use it as part of a safety plan.

Self-care for the family

Supporting someone with this disorder consumes a great deal of emotional energy. Do not neglect your own life or mental health. Seek out support groups or counselors who specialize in helping families of those with addictions. Remember that your emotional stability is the pillar that allows your ability to provide support to continue. For more information on support options, you can see our guide on Opioid Use Disorder Recovery: Support and Treatment Strategies in Jordan (Arabic). Exercising patience and giving the recovering person the time and space needed to heal are steps that ensure the success of the journey, as every day that passes without use is a new victory worth celebrating [2].

Medical references

• Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
• ‘I choose to climb instead of fall’
• About Prescription Opioids