Opioid addiction is a serious issue that is affecting individuals, families, and whole communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 2.1 million Americans struggle with opioid use disorder. Such a larger number means someone in your family or circle may be struggling with this issue.
If this is the case, they need help because kicking an opioid addiction is very challenging and complicated. Talking to them is the first step in getting them the help they need, and this article will look at how you can get the conversation going.
Educate Yourself About Opioid Addiction
Before you can talk to someone about their opioid addiction, you need to understand how it manifests, which starts with understanding how the misuse begins. For many people, it begins with an opioid prescription.
Once they develop a tolerance for the prescribed opioids or do not see any benefits from them, many people turn to stronger opioids. Understanding this will help you empathize with and understand their situation better.
The next thing to know is how to identify the signs of opioid addiction. Addiction manifests differently in different people, but some common signs include fatigue or drowsiness, changes in the pupils’ size, changes in sleep patterns, physical neglect, and changes in weight and appetite.
Choose the Right Time and Place
It is important to find a time when you are both calm and have some privacy before initiating a conversation about addiction. The space and time you choose should ensure you have an uninterrupted conversation. Importantly, avoid discussing this sensitive topic in the open and when the other person is seemingly under the influence.
Lead with Concern and Empathy
Many addicts want to know you care about them and understand their situation. This is why it is important to structure your language to make them know you care about them and are worried about their wellbeing. If you must, practice what you will say beforehand to ensure you say the right thing the right way.
Doing this will make it easier to talk to them about your observations without them feeling like you are accusing them. It is also important to talk in the first person when expressing your concerns. For example, it is better to say, “I have noticed you have lost a lot of weight lately” instead of asking outright if they are using drugs.
Listen to Them
Even though this conversation is about you starting a discussion about their opioid use, it is also advisable that you listen to them. Allow them to share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting. Maintain eye contact, nod, and ask open-ended questions to help them along.
Remember that not everyone will be comfortable talking about what they are going through, so be patient and keep the conversation going. If you feel they are not ready to open up, you can pull back a little but always ensure they know you care and are concerned.
Talking to someone about their addiction can bring up shame, guilt, and a need to lie to hide what is going on. It is important to approach conversations about this topic slowly and carefully to let the other person know you are not attacking them but are trying to help. Be persistent, patient, and compassionate, and continue providing support as long as they let you.
Inform the authorities:
If you think you are unable to help the person, you should inform the authorities about it. In many cases, the victim’s addiction becomes out of control. Engaging with them normally doesn’t help. That’s the reason why there are different authoritative institutions available that can help you with this situation. All you need to do is inform them about it. Also, make sure to inform the person before you do that.
Their cooperation can be of use in overcoming the addiction.
Conclusion:
To conclude it all, talking to some who may be struggling with Opioid addiction is important both for the person and the society. The identification of this addiction can be hard. You have to talk to the person in a very strategic way. You also have to understand the causes of this addiction to communicate with the person properly. We have discussed such important points in the information given above.
Over 16 million people suffer from Opioid disorder globally. That’s why you have to ensure that anyone around you who suffers from this situation gets your help.
