Trying to help someone in the throes of an opioid use disorder is very tricky, as you may not be dealing with someone who has control over their thoughts and actions. This is the most important point that you should understand — their brain and body have been hijacked by opioids.

Your first step is the one you’re doing now by reading this so you understand what you’re up against. We also urge you to contact us so we can help guide you through getting your loved one some help.

When you try to talk to your loved one about a potential problem, they may become very upset and defensive, so it’s important that you attempt this conversation outside of an angry atmosphere. In other words, if you’ve been fighting about one of their behaviors, for example, it might not be a good time to bring this subject up. Instead, wait until things calm down and then approach your loved one with concern and care.

It’s also a good idea to enter your conversation armed with information, so talk to them about your concerns and then offer them a way out. We can help supply you with what you need, such as information about our detox program and our medication-assisted treatments.

Above all, understand that your loved one isn’t happy about their opioid use disorder and they do want to be released from it, but their brains are fighting them every step of the way.

As a final note, we want to advise you to take care of yourself, too, during all of this. If your loved one’s opioid use disorder is upending your life, take steps to distance yourself from time to time and focus on your own life and happiness.

For help with your loved one’s opioid use disorder, please contact our office Bothell, Washington, to set up a consultation.