Recovery describes the journey that people make to stop or reduce using drugs or alcohol. For almost everyone, this journey is not a straight path.There may be starts and stops that can be challenging for the people on the journey as well as the friends and family members who are witnessing it. These witnesses can feel disappointed, frustrated, and scared for the person who is trying to stop their drug or alcohol use. It can be helpful to recognize that addiction is a chronic disease and the struggle to stop using alcohol and drugs can be extremely challenging, especially when the reasons someone started using have not been adequately addressed. In some cases, drugs and alcohol are used to cope with stressors. In many cases, untreated mental health problems contribute to drug and alcohol use.
Relapse during recovery is often mistakenly viewed as failure by the person using substances and the people in their support system. Framing relapse as an opportunity for people to learn about themselves and what they need to be successful is more helpful. For example, the person who relapsed can reflect on what triggered their relapse: was it a certain person or environment? A strong emotion or stressor? They can also think about what helped them return to sobriety: the support of a friend? Going back to a support group or meeting?
Other ways to support people during the recovery process include:
- Not discussing concerns about someone’s substance use disorder until they’re sober or mostly sober- if someone is under the influence of a substance it can be hard for them to have a tough conversation about their use, or advocate for themselves and ask for what support they might need.
- Avoiding “interventions” where a group of supporters surprise someone with their concerns and take them to treatment. Evidence shows that this approach does not work.
- Using “I feel” statements to describe the impacts of use instead of “you should” statements. For example: “I feel scared when you’re using because I don’t want you to overdose” shows more care than “you should stop using drugs because it’s bad for you.”
- Setting clear boundaries to define what you will and will not do. For example, offering rides to appointments is helpful. Giving cash or “bailing them out” of situations can enable use and likely cause discomfort or resentment for the person offering the support.
- Learning the signs of overdose: shallow breathing, blue or gray lips/fingernails, and “pinpoint” pupils.
- Carrying Naloxone (Narcan) and learning how to use it to reverse an opioid overdose. The Steve Rummler Hope Network provides information on both.
- Promoting Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (or other substances) as medical treatment. People often feel stigma associated with these drugs. Thinking of them like insulin for diabetes or other medications for chronic illnesses can be helpful.
Helping people understand and connect to recovery options such as outpatient or residential rehabilitative treatment centers or care through a primary care clinic is vital. The best options for people depend on the severity of their use, their medication preferences, and their need for a structured approach. It can be overwhelming to understand all the recovery options available and how to access them. For some people, even asking for this information can feel embarrassing or difficult.
Seeking support from a primary care clinic feels like going to a doctor’s appointment. People can meet with a medical provider to discuss using more safely, or starting recovery if they are ready. At Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) providers will offer medications that address addiction symptoms and connect people to other in-house services:
- Mental health care to address mental health diagnoses like depression)
- Therapy to learn new skills
- Medical and dental care that addresses addiction-related and other health issues like diabetes, wounds, or asthma
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD) care coordinators who support patients between appointments by helping patients access medications, find social services, and even help patients find treatment programs
Located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis, CUHCC is here to support people with substance use disorders—even if they are not ready to stop using. More about CUHCC:
- Serves everyone regardless of their ability to pay
- Offers medical, dental, and behavioral health services including psychiatry and therapy
- Helps eligible patients register for health insurance
- Open Monday-Friday 7:05am-4:45pm
- Offers same day and walk-in appointments
- Provides direct access to the SUD team by texting 612-207-8352
- Provides 24/7 Narcan through a distribution box located right outside CUHCC’s main entrance
