As more people than ever are struggling with an opioid addiction, it’s more likely now that someone you know will be using it. Even though you may disagree with their drug habits and want them to get help, it can be difficult to have conversations with them about pursuing a long term treatment plan.
Luckily, I’m here to help break down the do’s and don’ts for addressing a friend or family member who is going through an opioid addiction. Instead of bombarding them with a list of questions that are hard to answer, it’s better to understand what they’re going through and ask them questions that will help them realize that treatment is their best option. Addiction can be lethal, as seen in the news with many individuals dying from drug overdose, including high-profile celebrities.
Consider this conversation as “selling” your offer of getting opioid withdrawal treatment as they’re communicating with you.
Talking about Opioid Withdrawal Treatment
- Do always show kindness to the person going through opioid addiction. Addiction is already hard to deal with and having someone criticizes them about their life choices won’t help. This is secret key to having a successful interaction with a person who is otherwise expecting the people in their life to completely reject them. Even if you agree with all of their past behavior, communicating your willingness to help will only make your relationship stronger.
- Don’t tell the addict that they will have to get treatment on their own. This dialogue will make them believe that they will be going through recovery independently, which is very hard to manage. Let the person with the opioid addiction know that you are willing to support them in making a healthy change. Mention that you can come with them to counseling or support groups. This will help motivate the addict as they won’t have to speak about their story to strangers alone.
- Do ask the right questions and listen as best you can. Anyone battling an intense addiction will want to tell you what they’re going through if you listen without criticizing. Take in what they have to say without interjecting. Try your best to learn about what they want in order to recover and how long they’ve been dealing with addiction symptoms. The more information you know the better you’ll be able to bring up a treatment plan that will best fit their personal needs.
- Don’t be inconsistent. If you’re truly trying to help a friend with their addiction, you can’t drop the ball when it comes to keeping them accountable. For example, you may tell them that you will schedule an appointment with a counselor but end up delaying the action for several days because you forgot. Or maybe you were just lazy to make the first step for them yourself. If they sense that you’re not taking their recovery seriously, after a certain point they won’t listen to your advice anymore. They may also start to see you as an enabler which will greatly hurt your efforts. Remain consistent in your message, so that they don’t misunderstand what it is you want or expect of them.
- Do show them what your boundaries are. If this person is family member, it’s highly important to voice that you love them a lot. You are here to help them and will be their support system throughout the process. However, there are behaviors that you will not allow to happen anymore if it’s leaving a negative impact on your life. Don’t be scared to set strict limits and consistently follow through to show you aren’t simply making empty threats. This will help the person struggling with opioid addiction know that you aren’t just trying to punish them for what they did.
- Don’t tell them that you’re planning an intervention. If they find out from someone or beforehand that you’re pointing them in the direction of receiving treatment, they may chicken out and make an excuse to not meet with you. This probably doesn’t have to do with you personally, but someone struggling with an opioid addiction will not want to discuss their personal fears if they are aware a conversation provoking that is coming.
- Do aid them with understanding what treatment options are available. Often, an addict will not be researching who is the best counselor or rehab center in their area because they’re so consumed on their dependence. Before you talk to them, do your own homework on whether there’s a trusted rehab specialist, drug rehab support group, or holistic health center where they can get help from. From there, you’ll be able to recommend where they should go as they start to realize that they need to start prioritizing their health.
Dealing with An Opioid Addiction And Dependence
You don’t have to be an addiction expert or a holistic medicine specialist to talk to your friend about treating their opioid withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is an experience that is different for everyone who goes through it. The highs and lows for one person might be totally different to another even if they’re both consuming the same drug. What’s extremely important to remember is that the addict you’re talking to isn’t expecting you to know all the answers.
Instead, they want you to be there for them as support and just listen to what is going on in their life. As long as you approach them with kindness, and open mind, and the willingness to not judge their actions, you will likely find success. They’ll be much more likely to make the first step in getting treatment. Luckily, there are new types of opioid withdrawal medications to know about that makes sobriety much easier to handle. It helps to learn what an addict can do to get better without being on the crutch of medicine or staying in a rehab center for several days. Never give up if someone’s health is in your hands!
