Living With Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects millions of people all over the world. People of all ages, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status can be affected by OUD. If it is not treated, OUD can damage a person’s physical and emotional health, relationships, work life, finances, and more.¹

Living with OUD can feel overwhelming. But it is possible to recover from OUD and lead a healthy, balanced life.

Managing day-to-day life with OUD

Living with opioid use disorder means facing many challenges. Even for those who have gone through a rehab and recovery program, there is still a risk of relapse. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people in recovery from a substance use disorder often have at least 1 relapse.²

Managing pain

Many people with OUD experience chronic pain. It is very hard to manage pain while also struggling with opioid dependence. Talk to your doctor about non-opioid options, such as physical therapy, over-the-counter medicines, or complementary treatments like acupuncture.^3,4

Avoiding triggers

Understanding your triggers is another vital step in living with OUD. Triggers can be feelings, places, or situations that make you want to use opioids. Common OUD triggers include:²

• Physical pain
• Depression
• Stress or conflict
• Exhaustion
• Isolation

Learning to recognize your triggers can help you avoid relapse. Therapy and support groups can teach you healthy ways to cope with these challenges.²

Dealing with stigma

Stigma is also a challenge for people with OUD. Stigma occurs when others judge or mistreat you because of your condition. This can make it harder to seek help.⁵

Remember, OUD is a chronic medical condition, not a personal failure. Relapses can happen and are common. Surround yourself with people who support you. Consider joining a peer support group. Connecting with others who understand what you are going through can help you feel less alone.^1,2

Work and OUD: Legal protections

If you have OUD, you are protected by laws that prevent discrimination. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with OUD in the workplace. This means your employer cannot fire you, refuse to hire you, or treat you unfairly because of your condition. However, these protections apply only if you are in recovery and not actively using illegal opioids.⁶

You may also qualify for medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This law allows you to take unpaid time off for treatment or recovery without losing your job. Talk to your Human Resources department to learn more about your rights.⁷

Financial impact of OUD

OUD has a major financial impact on both individuals and society. In the US, the total economic burden of OUD is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. Treatment costs, lost income, and criminal justice fees all add to this burden.⁸

However, there are resources to help. Many states offer low-cost or free treatment programs. Check if your health insurance covers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or counseling.⁹

If you are struggling with bills, look for local nonprofits or community organizations like FindHelp.org that provide financial aid. They may be able to help you pay for treatment and other expenses (like rent and utilities). You may be eligible for certain grants or loans.⁹

Balancing work, family, and recovery

Recovery takes time and effort. Open communication with your family or support people is key. Depending on your situation, it may be best to involve them in your recovery plan. Let them know how they can support you. Set realistic goals for yourself, and remember to celebrate small victories.¹

Here are some things that can help you or a loved one succeed in long-term recovery:^1-3

• Stick to your treatment plan. This is the most important thing. Research shows that medicine to treat OUD is highly effective in long-term recovery.
• Set boundaries if possible. Recovery might mean saying no to extra responsibilities or work events that could trigger stress. Talk to your employer about any accommodations you need. These might be things like flexible hours for therapy sessions.
• Self-care is important. Make time for activities that bring you joy and reduce stress. Regular exercise, healthy meals, and quality sleep can improve your mood and help you focus on recovery.