Resources

Family Matters Group

• Learn how to support your loved one while the person is going through the stages of change and recovery.
• Learn about each stage of change and what this means for someone struggling with substance use.
• Find out the science and research about substance use disorder.

“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but human connection.” – Johann Hari

The Recovery Room Podcast

Hosted by: Daniel Garrighan, Alex Perla, & Abbie Scanio

We are three lifelong friends who work together in the field of substance use disorders. Our relationship is unique as we each bring a different view on the role addiction & recovery can play in one’s life. We go there. Each episode we talk about real issues in the recovery environment and world of substance use disorders. We dare to go places and touch on subjects’ others haven’t. We want to make a change! We want to educate people out there and stop the Stigma. We also want those suffering to know there is help out there and recovery is obtainable.

Learn more about Opioid Use Disorder:

What is Opioid Use? Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine), synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl), and illegal drugs like heroin. While opioids can be highly effective in managing pain, their misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and death.

Addiction: Opioid addiction (or Opioid Use Disorder – OUD) is a medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite negative consequences. It involves changes to brain chemistry and function, making it difficult for individuals to control their use. Addiction can result from factors such as:

• Genetics: Family history can increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.
• Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other conditions can contribute to opioid misuse.
• Environment: Stress, social circumstances, and exposure to substance use can increase risk.

Signs of opioid addiction may include:

• Increased tolerance (needing more of the drug for the same effect)
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug (e.g., irritability, pain, nausea)
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Using opioids in dangerous ways (e.g., crushing pills, injecting)
• Feeling unable to stop despite a desire to do so

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Treatment for opioid addiction should be individualized and may involve several approaches:

1. Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
   MAT combines behavioral therapy with medications to treat opioid use disorder. Common medications include:
   • Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
   • Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings without producing the high associated with opioids. Buprenorphine is available both sublingual and in injectable form.  Talk to your healthcare provider about what option is best for you. Common names of Buprenorphine treatment include, Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv, Subuclade & Brixadi.
   • Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and can help reduce cravings. MAT has proven to be highly effective in helping individuals manage cravings, stay engaged in recovery, and reduce the risk of relapse and overdose.
2. Behavioral Therapy and Counseling:
   Psychological support is an essential part of treatment. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) help individuals address underlying behavioral issues, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
3. Support Groups:
   Peer support through groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can help individuals in recovery connect with others, share experiences, and receive encouragement.
4. Overdose Prevention:
   For individuals at risk of overdose, naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. It is important for individuals in recovery, as well as their families and friends, to have access to naloxone and understand how to use it in an emergency.

Stigma-Reducing Language

The language used when discussing opioid addiction is crucial in reducing stigma and promoting understanding. Stigmatizing language can create barriers to treatment and recovery, and can make individuals feel ashamed or reluctant to seek help.

Stigmatizing language:

• Referring to individuals as “addicts” or “junkies.”
• Saying someone has “failed” at recovery.
• Using terms that imply moral weakness (e.g., “lazy,” “weak-willed”).

• Referring to someone as “clean” (e.g., “clean from drugs”) can imply that people with substance use disorder are inherently “unclean.” “Dirty” is often used to describe someone who has relapsed or used drugs again, reinforcing shame.

Stigma-reducing language:

• Use “person-first language” to emphasize the person over the condition. For example, “a person with opioid use disorder” instead of “an addict.”
• Acknowledge addiction as a medical condition and not a moral failing.
• Focus on recovery and hope rather than emphasizing past behaviors.
• Use terms like “substance use disorder” or “substance use challenges” to normalize the experience.
• Instead of referring to a person as “clean” or “dirty,” which can imply judgment, use terms like “in recovery” or “sober.”
• Emphasize that treatment is available and recovery is possible, encouraging a supportive and compassionate approach to those struggling with addiction.

By using stigma-reducing language, we help to create a more compassionate environment that encourages individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment.

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