How to Support a Loved One Going Through Opiate Addiction Treatment
Watching a loved one struggle with opiate addiction can be incredibly difficult. As their family member or friend, you want to provide the best support possible to help them overcome the challenge.
But where do you start?
Overcoming addiction of any kind is extremely challenging and requires patience, understanding, and nonjudgmental support on your part. The first step to providing support in helping your loved one toward opioid recovery is to understand the nature of their addiction. Opiate addiction is complex and affects both the body and mind. While your loved one didn’t intend on becoming addicted, because they are, their body is likely dependent on it. That’s what makes opioid recovery so tricky.
But there is hope. Recovery is possible.
The Importance of Providing Support
If your loved one struggles with opiate addiction, they experience intense cravings. They can’t control their urge to use opioids, whether they are prescription painkillers like oxycodone or illegal drugs like heroin. They are also likely to feel isolated, ashamed, and overwhelmed by their challenges.
When you offer unconditional support and understanding, you can help them feel loved, valued, and motivated to seek treatment. Your presence and encouragement can make a significant difference in their willingness to take the first steps toward opioid recovery.
It’s important to approach this complex situation with care and concern. Open communication, active listening, and observation can help you better understand the extent of their addiction and guide them toward seeking professional help. It’s also essential to remember that addiction is a medical condition that requires expert treatment and ongoing support.
Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction is crucial in providing timely support and intervention. Common symptoms include the following:
- pinpoint pupils
- drowsiness
- slurred speech
- rapid weight loss
- lack of hygiene
- preoccupation with obtaining and using drugs
- neglecting responsibilities
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use
Your loved one will likely try to hide their addiction, but it’s crucial to pay attention to any changes in behavior. Never shrug off the idea that your friend or family member could be struggling with opiate addiction. You could be the one person who notices and intervenes before their addiction gets worse or even claims their life.
How to Approach Your Loved One About Getting Addiction Treatment
Initiating a conversation with your loved one about seeking treatment for opiate addiction can be daunting. But it’s a crucial step toward their opioid recovery. It’s best to approach the discussion with empathy, honesty, and a non-judgmental attitude. Express your concerns and observations in a caring and supportive way, and emphasize how much you care about them and want to see them happy and healthy.
Here are some helpful steps when approaching your loved one about their addiction:
- Educate Yourself
As mentioned previously, it’s crucial to take the time to truly understand the nature of their addiction and how it affects your loved one. This will help you communicate your concerns and provide the support they need.
- Choose the Right Time and Place For the Conversation
You don’t want just to blurt out your concern for them anywhere and anytime. It’s essential to find a quiet, private place to talk without having to worry about distractions or interruptions.
You should also approach the topic when your loved one appears sober and when you are both calm. On the other hand, you should never talk about it in times of stress or conflict.
- Plan What You’ll Say
Before talking about opiate addiction with your friend or family member, you want to make sure you know what you’re going to say. Ensure you approach the conversation with empathy, love, and concern, avoiding blame and judgment.
Using “I” statements is also important rather than putting your concerns on them. For example, instead of saying, “You’re ruining your life,” say something like, “I am worried about you.”
- Use Specifics
When addressing opiate addiction in others, it’s vital to mention specific instances when their addiction caused harm or concern to themselves or others. If you have these instances ready, you can provide examples to solidify your fears in their mind.
- Actively Listen
Active listening is essential when talking to your friend or family member dealing with opiate addiction. Allow them to speak without interruption and exhibit empathy, compassion, and understanding.
You should also avoid ultimatums and threats, as they can backfire. Instead, focus on positive encouragement.
- Express Your Love and Concern
Ensure you express your love and concern for their well-being while sharing observations about their behavior and how it has impacted them and others.
- Set Boundaries
Boundaries are important in all aspects of life, including when you’re talking with someone about opiate addiction. Let your loved one know how their addiction has impacted your relationship, and inform them of what you need to support your own well-being.
Let them know you won’t enable their behavior and set appropriate boundaries to protect your mental health. That may include seeking support for yourself.
- Seek Professional Help
Stopping cold turkey can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so it’s crucial to seek professional inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment in San Diego or wherever you’re located. Our team of professional addiction recovery experts at BOLD Health can help your loved one detox and overcome addiction safely.
Top-Quality Outpatient Addiction Treatment in San Diego at BOLD Health
There is life after opiate addiction. We’ve helped plenty of clients get there using our holistic addiction treatment approach. Our physician-led team is experienced in helping people like your loved one overcome addiction, no matter how firm of a grasp it has on their lives.
We’ll take the time to get to know your friend thoroughly or loved one and curate their outpatient addiction treatment in San Diego to their needs. Your friend or family member’s addiction treatment plan may include any of the following:
- detox
- medication management
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- intensive outpatient program (IOP in San Diego)
Most importantly, your loved one needs to get professional help to reach opioid recovery. But almost as important is your support along the way. Contact us to learn more about our outpatient addiction treatment options, including our IOP in San Diego.
It’s time for your loved one to overcome addiction and get their life back!