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Support People

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: January 2025 | Last updated: November 2024

Caring for someone with opioid use disorder (OUD) is not easy. It can bring many challenges and difficult emotions. But support people play an important role in recovery. Support people can be spouses/partners, family members, friends, mentors, or any loved one who cares for and supports the recovery of someone with OUD.1

Challenges of caring for someone with OUD

Supporting a loved one with OUD can be stressful. Addiction can lead to difficult behaviors such as lying, breaking promises, or stealing. It is important to remember that these behaviors are part of the disorder, not who the person truly is.1

You may feel overwhelmed by fear and worry. You might wonder if your loved one will overdose or relapse. These feelings can affect your mental and physical health.1

You may also face stigma from others who do not understand addiction. People might judge your loved one or blame you for their struggles. This can leave you feeling isolated and unsupported.2

Preventing and coping with burnout

It is normal to feel exhausted when supporting someone with OUD. But if you do not care for yourself, burnout can happen. Burnout is a state of extreme exhaustion – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Here are some ways to prevent and cope with burnout.1,3

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Learn about addiction and OUD

Understanding OUD can help you feel more prepared to give care. Addiction is a medical health condition, not a moral failure. Treatment and recovery take time and patience on everyone’s part.3

Set healthy boundaries

Boundaries help protect your well-being. For example, you can say no to loaning money if it might be used for drugs. Offer support in ways that feel safe and healthy for you.3

Find support

You do not have to face this alone. One option is to join a support group like Nar-Anon Family Groups or SMART Recovery for family and friends. These groups connect you with others who understand your struggles.3

Take breaks

Spend time doing things you enjoy. Go for a walk, read a book, or spend time with friends. Taking care of yourself helps you be a better support person.3

Talk to a professional

A therapist or counselor can help you manage stress and strong emotions. They can also teach you strategies to cope with the challenges of supporting someone with OUD.3

Coping with loss due to OUD

Sadly, some people lose loved ones to opioid overdose. This can be a very painful experience. Grief after a loss from OUD can feel different from other types of loss. It is important to allow yourself to grieve and seek support.4,5

Grieving a loved one lost to an overdose

You may feel sadness, anger, or even relief if your loved one’s suffering has ended. These feelings are all normal, and it is healthy to let yourself feel them.4,5

Many people who lose someone to OUD also feel guilt. They may wonder if they could have done more to help. Remember, addiction is a complex illness. You are not to blame for your loved one’s death.4,5

Some people face stigma after losing a loved one to an overdose. People in your life may not understand your grief or may avoid talking about the loss. Find people who will listen without judgment.4,5

Healing and finding support after a loss

Healing takes time, but you do not have to go through it alone. Here are some ways to find support and begin to heal:4,5

  • Connect with others – Join a grief support group, especially one focused on loss due to addiction. Sharing your story with others who understand can help.
  • Talk about your loved one – Share memories of your loved one with people you trust. Talking about them can keep their memory alive and help you process your grief.
  • Create a tribute – Honor your loved one’s life in a way that feels meaningful to you. You could plant a tree, create a scrapbook, or make a donation to an addiction recovery organization.
  • Seek professional support – Grief counselors can help you navigate your emotions. They can also help you cope with feelings of guilt or anger.
  • Be patient with yourself – There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Healing is a journey, not a destination.

Resources that can help

Supporting someone with OUD is both challenging and meaningful. It is important to care for your loved one while also protecting your own well-being.4,5

If you have lost someone to OUD, know that healing is possible and you are not alone. Here are some support groups available online:4

If you are a support person for someone currently living with OUD or in OUD recovery, there are resources and communities that can help. You can make a difference in your loved one’s life, and you can find support to carry you through the hard times.