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UK-CNS-Nalo-01409 | July 2024

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This health awareness website was created by Accord-UK Ltd and is intended for members of the general public.

Supporting a

FRIEND OR

RELATIVE

Helping a loved one through their recovery from opioid addiction can
be emotionally complex and overwhelming, especially without the right
knowledge and support at hand. Here we provide advice on how to begin the
difficult conversations, supporting someone through their recovery journey,
and what you can do if they experience a relapse.

Does someone you know

have an opioid addiction?

VISIT SECTION:

Understanding opioid addiction

…to learn about the signs and symptoms of an opioid addiction.

If you know or suspect that someone you are close to is struggling with opioid misuse, broaching the conversation can feel daunting.1

If you do choose to raise the subject with your friend or relative, the following steps will help you prepare for and guide the conversation:1

STEP 1

Prepare yourself

Take time to gather your thoughts and approach the conversation calmly and positively.

STEP 2

Choose the right moment

Plan to talk when they are sober and receptive. Look for moments when they are engaged with you.

STEP 3

Keep it brief

Understand that you won’t solve everything in one conversation. See it as the start of an ongoing dialogue. Keep your sentences short and simple.

STEP 4

Use "I" statements

Express your concerns using phrases like “I feel worried about you” rather than accusatory “you” statements.

STEP 5

Practice patience

Give them space to process and respond. Avoid being judgemental.

STEP 6

Expect resistance

Understand that defensiveness is common when facing challenges to opioid misuse.

STEP 7

Know when TO step back

If emotions escalate, it is okay to pause the conversation. Emphasise your willingness to continue discussing it later.

STEP 8

Consider writing a letter

Sometimes, writing down your thoughts can be a less confrontational way to start a conversation or reconnect if communication has stopped.

Supporting someone

through recovery

VISIT SECTIONS:

Treating opioid addiction

AND

Overcoming opioid addiction

…to learn about the process of recovery and the challenges faced.

Supporting a loved one grappling with opioid addiction can be emotionally taxing and challenging, but your support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.2

Here are some ways you can provide support and encouragement:2

1. Encourage

them to seek help

  • Reassure them that seeking help is a positive step and offer your support throughout the process
  • Help them explore available local services for addiction treatment and support groups

2. Accompany

them toappointments

  • Offer to go with them to appointments if it would ease their nerves, especially during initial visits to drug treatment services

3. Help them

stick to treatment

  • You could help them adhere to their treatment plan by providing reminders, transportation to appointments, and support in meeting their recovery goals

4. Provide

emotional support

  • Spend quality time together engaging in activities they enjoy to strengthen your connection
  • Be a compassionate listener when they need to talk about their experiences and emotions related to their addiction
  • Express how their substance use affects you, and encourage honest communication about its impact on your relationship

If your friend or relative

is also facing mental health challenges

Dealing with opioid addiction often comes with mental health challenges that can affect people in different ways.3

If this is the case for your friend or relative it is important that they receive the right professional support.

VISIT THE SECTION:

Overcoming opioid addiction

...for some useful information and advice on the support available for someone with mental ill-health.

Don’t forget to CARE

for yourself

Often it is the caregivers themselves who are in need of care and understanding, and supporting someone through recovery from opioid addiction is no exception.

Consider the following guidance if you are supporting someone through their recovery from opioid addiction.2

Recognise the toll that supporting someone through addiction recovery can take on your own well-being.

Seek support from people you trust, such as friends, family members, or counselors, to discuss your emotions and concerns.

Consider joining support groups, either in-person or online, or reaching out to helplines for additional assistance.

Prioritise self-care activities that can help with relaxation, creativity, and physical health to rejuvenate yourself.

Remember, taking care of yourself will allow you to better support your loved one through their journey of recovery from opioid addiction.

Supporting someone

through relapse

VISIT SECTION:

dealing with relapse

…to learn about the process of recovery and the challenges faced during relapse.

Encountering a relapse in someone you care about can evoke a range of emotions, including frustration and disappointment. However, it’s essential to understand that relapse doesn’t equate to failure, nor does it imply that previous treatments were ineffective.

How to support

A loved one
through relapse4

  • A lapse refers to a single instance of drinking or drug use after a period of abstinence
  • A relapse occurs when the individual returns to regular drinking or drug use
  • Understand that a lapse doesn’t signify failure; with support, individuals can avoid a full relapse

Recognise

lapses vs. relapses

  • While assisting someone through their struggles, ensure you prioritise your own well-being. Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial to safeguarding your emotional health and maintaining balance in your relationship

Prioritise

self-care

  • Encourage them to seek professional help from a drug treatment service, especially if they haven’t already done so
  • Use free resources available online from support groups and charities

Seek

professional help

  • Although it is natural to feel personally affected by a loved one’s relapse, understand that their actions are driven by cravings and challenges beyond your control
  • Focus on maintaining boundaries and avoid making their choices personal

Don’t make IT

personal

  • Collaborate with them to identify the triggers that may have contributed to their relapse, such as people, environments, or emotions
  • Offer support in avoiding triggers whenever possible to minimise the risk of future lapses

VISIT THE SECTION:

Dealing with relapse

…to learn more about the experience of relapse and how to recover from one.

Identify

AND address triggers

  • Stay connected with them and express belief in their ability to overcome the setback
  • Remind them that relapses are a common step in the recovery process and keep a positive outlook that will motivate them to continue their journey

Maintain

connection and encourage optimism

Experiencing a relapse in someone’s opioid addiction recovery can be challenging, but by providing understanding, support, and encouragement, you can help them through this difficult period and maintain hope for their future progress.

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References

  1. We Are With You. (n.d.). Worried about someone else’s alcohol or drug use? - With You. [online] Available at: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/help-and-advice/advice-friends-family/ [Accessed July 2024].
  2. Mind. (n.d.). Helping someone with drug and alcohol problems. [online] Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/recreational-drugs-alcohol-and-addiction/helping-someone-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems/ [Accessed July 2024].
  3. Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center. (2020). Mental health and opioid addiction. [online] Available at: https://socalsunrise.com/mental-health-opioid-addiction/ [Accessed July 2024].
  4. We Are With You (n.d.). What to do if someone you know relapses - With You. [online] Available at: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/help-and-advice/advice-friends-family/what-do-if-loved-one-relapses/ [Accessed July 2024].