Resources for Opioid Overdose Survivors and Their Family Members
Survivors of opioid overdose have experienced a life-changing and traumatic event. They have had to deal with the emotional consequences of overdosing, which can involve embarrassment, guilt, anger, and gratitude, all accompanied by the discomfort of opioid withdrawal. Most need the support of family and friends to take the next steps toward recovery.
While many factors can contribute to opioid overdose, it is almost always an accident. Moreover, the underlying problem that led to opioid use—most often pain or substance use disorder—still exists and continues to require attention.
The individual who has experienced an overdose is not the only one who has endured a traumatic event. Family members often feel judged or inadequate because they could not prevent the overdose. It is important for family members to work together to help the overdose survivor obtain the help that he or she needs.
Finding a Network of Support
As with any health condition, it is not a sign of weakness to admit that a person or a family cannot deal with overdose and its associated issues without help. It takes real courage to reach out to others for support and to connect with members of the community to get help.
Health care providers, including those who specialize in treating substance use disorders, can provide structured, therapeutic support and feedback. If the survivor's underlying problem is pain, referral to a pain specialist may be in order. If it is addiction, the patient should be referred to an addiction specialist. This person needs assessment and treatment by a physician specializing in the treatment of opioid addiction in a residential treatment program or in a federally certified opioid treatment program. In each case, counseling can help the individual manage his or her problems in a healthier way. The path to recovery can be a dynamic and challenging process, but there are ways to help.
In addition to receiving support from family and friends, overdose survivors can access a variety of community-based organizations and institutions, such as
- Health care and behavioral health providers
- Peer-to-peer recovery support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.na.org)
- Faith-based organizations
- Educational institutions
- Neighborhood groups
- Government agencies
- Family and community support programs
Resources
- National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD, for hearing impaired)
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator (search by address, city, or ZIP Code): Link opens in a new windowhttps://findtreatment.samhsa.gov
- Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator (search by address, city, or ZIP Code): Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/practitioner-program-data/treatment-practitioner-locator
- Single State Agencies for Substance Abuse Services: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ssadirectory.pdf
- State Opioid Treatment Authorities: Link opens in a new windowhttps://dpt2.samhsa.gov/regulations/smalist.aspx
- SAMHSA Publications Ordering (all SAMHSA Store products are available at no charge): Link opens in a new windowhttps://store.samhsa.gov; 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727)
- "Understanding the Epidemic": Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2018, June). Resources for overdose survivors and family members. In SAMHSA opioid overdose prevention toolkit: Recovering from opioid overdose (Pub. No. SMA 18 4742PT5). Retrieved September 12, 2019, from https://store.samhsa.gov