Watching Someone You Love Succumb to Opioid Addiction

If you or somebody important to you is addicted to opioids, it’s easy to get discouraged, especially if that person has been to treatment for their opioid use disorder more than once, only to slip and pick up again. 

Watching somebody you love fall prey to heroin or painkiller addiction is just as horrifying every time. This isn’t something you can get used to easily—-nor would you want to. 

For the worried parent, spouse, brother, or sister, opioid addiction is a tragic mystery. People who haven’t experienced addiction watch with incredulity while the person they love picks up a needle, pipe, or bottle of pills again and again. 

Why is Relapse Such A Huge Risk for Opioid Users?

“Don’t they remember what happened before?” “How can they do this to me? To our family?” “Don’t they want to be sober?” A thousand questions swirl through your head — and none seem to have satisfying answers.

So, why does relapse seem to be an especially vexing problem for people who’ve been addicted to pain meds, fentanyl, or heroin? The answer is complex, but in short, when opioids are removed, they leave a sort of hole behind. 

What medical science failed to understand for years was that opioid addiction reaches far beyond the detox and withdrawal phase. To the outside observer, it may seem like once a person has 30, 60 or even 90 days away from opioids, they should be on their way. The cravings.

Why Relapse is Especially Challenging for Opioid Users

• The physical withdrawal symptoms from opioids are more intense than most drugs.
• Opioid withdrawal also has psychological effects that can last months after the last use. 
• Some opioid users have challenges with chronic pain that can pose a relapse risk. 
• Untreated mental health conditions like depression or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can pose addiction risks.  

How Can I Help My Loved One Achieve Long-Term Recovery From Opioid Addiction?

If you’re a parent or other loved one of someone struggling with opioid addiction, you would probably do almost anything to help them stay sober and off opioids for good. But, if you’ve been to NAR-ANON or CoDA meetings or therapy — you also know that you can’t recover for them. It’s one of the most painful things to hear, but… they have to want to get sober.

That does not mean there’s nothing you can do, though. 

What You Can Do to Help Your Love One with Long-Term Recovery

• Always be a safe place: Make sure your recovering loved one knows that they can come to you to talk about anything without fear of judgment. There’s no overestimating the value of this. Even if you don’t have a perfect solution for what’s on their mind—-simply being available to listen is often enough. 
• Show them your love and pride: People with addiction don’t suddenly regain their self-esteem just because they are in recovery. You would be amazed how helpful just a few words to remind them you love them and you’re proud of what they’ve accomplished can do. 
• Watch for signs of slipping: They say the relapse happens before you pick up. We’ve found this to be true. Watch for signs of depression, boredom, frustration, anger, or resentment. Be there for them. These signs don’t mean the person is using, and you shouldn’t accuse them. But they often mean they may be moving in the wrong direction and could use support. 
• If the worst happens: If the one you love has slipped up—do not guilt trip them or act angrily. Even if your anger feels justified, it will not help them. This doesn’t mean you excuse any and all behavior. It means that first and foremost, you need to focus on getting them help ASAP. Tell them you love them too much to watch them destroy themselves. Don’t take it on alone —- call for professional support. 

How Can I Build and Protect Long-Term Recovery from Opioid Addiction?

The first thing to do before you build anything you want to last is build a solid foundation. The best way we know how to do that is by getting solid dual-diagnosis treatment that both addresses your opioid use disorder (OUD) and also identifies and treats any co-occurring conditions. This is more important than you may realize. 

Did you know that untreated and undertreated mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are a MAJOR trigger for relapse? It’s true. You may be doing everything else right, attending meetings, working steps with a sponsor, and the rest. If an underlying condition is not addressed, you could be walking through a minefield without a map.  

1 – Follow The Plan

Dual-diagnosis treatment is the beginning of your foundation — but you must follow the recommendations you receive to get the results you want. If sober living is suggested — do it. If 90 days of IOP or outpatient are recommended — do it. If it’s suggested that you stay on a certain medication for a while or see a psychiatrist or psychologist regularly — do it. Never underestimate the importance of any part of your treatment and aftercare plan. 

2 – Don’t Sit Still in Recovery:  Grow and Thrive and Challenge Yourself

Believe it or not, boredom is dangerous to long-term recovery. You never want to sit still for too long. They say there is no “sitting still” in recovery. We’re either moving forward, or we’re moving backward. Remember that. Find healthy new hobbies and ways to occupy your time. Learn to play the guitar. Get in the gym and be good to your body. Always be learning and growing. 

3 – Talk to People and Tell on Yourself

Don’t get the idea that just because you’re in recovery, you’re supposed to be happy and OK all the time. You’re human. It doesn’t matter if you have five days, five months or five years sober. You will have bad days. You will have resentments and fears. Don’t keep them to yourself. You know better than that. If you’re miserable—TELL SOMEONE. If you’re thinking of picking up opioids, tell on yourself. This rule applies no matter how good your recovery is or how long you’ve been sober. 

4 – Remember It’s Not All About You

The program of recovery works only if we are helping each other and watching each other’s backs. Keep talking to people in recovery. Not only will it help you, but it will help others—often more than you know. This is how recovery works. Learning to practice genuine empathy is good for the soul. Let go of fear and resentment. Let in platonic love, sisterhood, and brotherhood. This is the way. 

Harm Reduction Through Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For some people in the recovery world, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a touchy subject. Not for us. Redemption Recovery believes every tool that can help people get sober and stay that way should be on the table. You may receive buprenorphine (Suboxone) in your detox process, and that may be sufficient for you. 

Other people may find that after their fourth or fourteenth time through rehab, enough is enough, and they cannot afford to let their pride or their fear of someone else’s judgment stop them from getting whatever help they need. If that’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for a while, then so be it.

MAT isn’t for everyone, but it is an option Redemption Recovery offers. Your safety and recovery are the most important thing. MAT is proven to reduce harm and protect people in early recovery. Don’t rule it out if it seems necessary. 

Recover From Opioid Addiction in Ohio With Us

You and your loved ones deserve the best chance at recovery from opioid addiction, and that’s the mission of Redemption Recovery. We’re here to support you in taking the first step toward a healthier, happier, and addiction-free life.

Our caring team of mental health professionals is ready to assist you, but the first step is yours to take.

One phone call can change the future.
It’s time for Redemption:  (419) 528-8007