“Do Not Carry the Load by Yourself”: Advice for Families Affected by Non-Medical Opioid Use

Abstract

Non-medical opioid use (NMOU) has had a devastating effect on families. Affected families may experience interpersonal and financial problems and self-stigma that can impede help-seeking and self-care. This study aimed to identify recommendations for families affected by opioids given by those with lived experience. Adults with a family member with NMOU ( N = 299) completed a survey that included an open-ended question asking for advice for other families similarly affected by opioids. Data were coded independently by research team members using an iterative approach to thematic analysis. Themes included seeking support, seeking education, and managing relationships with the loved one and others. Results highlight avenues for helping families cope while supporting a loved one who uses opioids, including contact with others with shared experience and access to educational resources. Families affected by opioids can provide valuable insights that should be considered when designing supports for families.

The impact of family systems and social networks on substance use initiation and recovery among women with substance use disorders.

“…Our results indicate that family systems might be a valuable intervention point for improving MOUD treatment success rates for affected women because families and romantic partners were consistently identified as a source of intergenerational trauma and unhealthy dynamics. Given that substance use and unhealthy relationship dynamics are often learned behaviors, family-based interventions that focus on collective forms of coping can help families move beyond dysfunctional patterns of behavior to spur resilience and sustained recovery for generations to come (Bradshaw et al, 2021; Friedrich et al, 2023; Wilkens & Foote, 2019).…”

How affected family members communicate about their loved one’s non-medical opioid use

“…As a result, family members of people with substance use problems demonstrate increased rates of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and suicidality (Mylant et al, 2002; Ray et al, 2009; Richter et al, 2000). Though social support has been shown to be beneficial for AFMs (Friedrich et al, 2023; Kelly et al, 2017), the stigma associated with NMOU often deters help-seeking and drives isolation (McCann et al, 2019; McCann & Lubman, 2018).…”