Opioid addiction is now an issue of concern, not only in the United States but also in different parts of the world. In the last couple of years, the number of people who have lost their lives after battling opioid addiction is astonishing. That’s why you need to be wary when you start noticing signs of addiction while interacting with a close friend. Check out The Confidant Health app, it is an At-home, virtual, confidential and discreet way to access expert help for medication assisted treatment for Opioid Use for which combines psychotherapy or counseling with certain medications.
However, the shock of discovering a loved one is battling an addiction can leave you speechless. Whereas you want to help a friend out, your lack of words can leave you wondering about the best place to start. And this is easy to understand since it can be hard to start a conversation with your drug addict friend.
But that’s not to say all hope is lost, since ignoring the situation only complicates things even further. No matter how hard it may seem, changing how you communicate with a friend who has an opioid addiction can be the difference. If you have no idea about the best place to start, these tips will surely come in handy.
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Be Loving and Supportive
If one of your friends cannot last a day without using Suboxone and crack, it does not help to keep on scolding them. Of course, this is one of the behaviors you may not tolerate, but your friend needs more of your support at this time. Rather than showing your emotions and feelings, try to be loving and supportive, no matter what.
Knowing there is that one person who is more than ready to offer a helping hand is more than enough to win over your friend. That’s not to say you should agree to everything your loved one says, even if you feel it’s wrong. Let them know how their opioid addiction makes you feel, and they may decide to change for the better.
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Give Them Your Ears
Like any other substance abuse problem, opioid addicts tend to be selfish and self-centered. For this reason, they value their opinions more than what other people around them have to say. To win over your addict friendand offer the support they need, make it the norm to give them your ear as they talk.
You don’t want your addict friend to feel as if your sole intention is to dictate their life. Make it the norm to listen more than you talk and a friend with opioid addiction is more likely to open up on what is going on. Remember, addiction happens for a reason, and only your loved one knows the truth.
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Consistency is Key
No matter how close you might be to a person smoking Suboxone, always be cautious when communicating with them both verbally and through actions. There’s no essence of advocating for a behavior change only to end up escorting them to a drug dealer. In short, you must mean everything you say rather than sending contrasting messages as it won’t do them any good.
The Bottom Line
At no time should you hesitate to help a loved one battling with opioid addiction. But before you offer assistance, understand what it takes to maintain effective communication at all times. It is then that you stand a better chance of winning over their trust and heart. Even if your friends may not share their situation, chances are they need your help now more than ever.
