When you have a loved one that is addicted to opioids, it can feel overwhelming and even scary at times. After all, that addiction can be difficult to manage and overcome. However, even when you are feeling overwhelmed, there are things that you can do to help and support your loved one with an opioid addiction. Get to know some of these steps you can take.

1. Avoid Enabling Them

One of the first steps you can take is to make sure you avoid enabling them. Enabling means that you are doing things that either directly or indirectly help them continue abusing drugs. One example of this is giving money to someone who is still abusing opioids as doing so means you are likely funding their habit (again directly or indirectly). 

Whether you like it or not, it is important to let your loved one face the reality of their situation so they can start changing their behavior. This means not paying their rent when they spent all their money on drugs, not bailing them out of jail when they get arrested for drug possession, etc. This is one of the hardest things to do to support your loved one, but they must know and understand the consequences of their actions.

2. Encourage Them to Seek Treatment

Of course, you should always encourage your loved one to seek proper opioid addiction treatment. You do not have to be confrontational about it or have a full intervention. Just try to talk to them about the benefits of treatment and the different opioid addiction treatment options available to them. 

There are numerous ways to go through opioid addiction treatment. Medical detox is one great option. In a medical detox program, patients will get support coming off of opioids from doctors who can administer medications to make the process less painful and uncomfortable. 

Once detox is complete, additional treatment is recommended as well. These treatments can vary from traditional 12-step programs to more holistic approaches to opioid addiction treatment. Holistic programs can include options such as acupuncture, massage therapy, equine therapy, and more. Talk to your loved one about all of these amazing and beneficial treatment options and encourage them to call a program and at least check them out. 

Overall, there are many ways that you can help your loved one with an opioid addiction. By taking these important steps, you can support your loved one in a healthy way. Contact local opioid addiction treatment centers to learn more.