Steps to Help an Opioid Addiction

More than 130 Americans die from an opioid overdose every day, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). You might know someone who has an opioid addiction or experienced an overdose. With opioid use disorder so widespread across the United States, everyone has a part to play in its reduction. Discover how you can help your opioid addiction or on the national level.

How to Help an Opioid Addiction You Might Have

If you think you may have an opioid addiction, you have many options for help. You can talk to your medical or personal supports to get another opinion on your opioid-related behavior. Consider these approaches when you believe you may have opioid use disorder:

• Talk to your family and friends: Find someone you trust who you stay in touch with regularly. Ask them frankly about your behavior and if they think you show signs of addiction. This can act as a first step for someone who feels uncomfortable going to a doctor right away.
• Ask your doctor: You can also consult your doctor about your potential addiction. Record how often you take opioids and your feelings and thoughts about them, then talk about the results.
• Get professional help: An opioid addiction treatment center can help you identify the signs of addiction and get help. You can contact them whether or not you already talked with someone else.

Seeking help for your potential addiction will help you find the cause of your issues and live a healthier life.

Helping Someone With an Opioid Addiction

When someone you know could have opioid use disorder, you can take these steps to assist:

• Identify the signs: Learn more about the signs of opioid addiction in another person. Indicators include changes in behavior, mood, sleep and everyday function.
• Look into treatment options: Research clinics and programs in your area. Depending on the person, they might feel less overwhelmed if you offer solutions.
• Start a conversation: Talk to the person with a compassionate, not confrontational approach. Let them know you’re worried about them and offer to help them find treatment.

By talking to someone with an addiction, you give them some of the social support needed for a successful recovery.

How to Help the Opioid Addiction Epidemic

You also have plenty of actions you can take if you want to help reduce the impact of opioid addiction in society:

• Carry naloxone: Look into classes in your area that teach you how to use the overdose rescue medicine naloxone. You can also find it at many pharmacies.
• Challenge the stigma: If someone says something degrading about people with opioid addictions, remind them that opioid addiction counts as a disease like any other.
• Raise awareness: Join community events, write a letter to the editor or find another strategy for teaching those around you about opioid addiction.

Every small action counts in the movement to stop the opioid use disorder epidemic.

Learn More About Opioid Addiction or Start Treatment

For more information about opioid addiction or to get treatment in New England, contact Health Care Resource Centers today.

Medically Reviewed By:

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

The Clinical Team at Health Care Resource Centers is our team of physicians and medical directors within the organization. HCRC is a CARF accredited organization and has been providing addiction treatment services for over 32 years in the New England area.