Safety comes first when you find opioid treatment for a loved one. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away. If you have naloxone, give it to the person. Stay with them until help arrives. Do not delay calling 911 to search for a program.
Once your loved one is safe, use FindTreatment.gov or dial SAMHSA’s National Helpline. These tools show local options. Then, phone the programs you find. Ask if they treat opioid use disorder, if spots are open, and how to start care.
We share a U.S. treatment directory, not treatment services. This guide shows how to search for care and what treatments look like. It also lists questions for providers, options without insurance, and support for someone not ready yet.
If You Suspect an Opioid Overdose, Call 911
Opioid overdose can slow or stop breathing and become fatal.[1] If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. Do not sit and wait for them to come around by themselves.
Check for these signs:
- The person cannot be woken up.
- Breaths are shallow, slow, or gone.
- You notice a gurgling or choking sound.
- Their pupils look pinpoint small.
- Skin feels cold and looks pale or blue.[2]
Actions To Take Immediately
- Call 911. Tell the dispatcher you suspect an opioid overdose. Follow their instructions carefully.
- Give naloxone if you have it. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, but some people may need more than one dose.[3] Use it according to the package directions. It is a tool to help until paramedics arrive, not a replacement for emergency care.[2]
- Follow dispatcher instructions for breathing support. If the person is not breathing or is not breathing normally, follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions for rescue breathing or CPR while you wait for responders.
- Stay with the person. Keep checking their breathing while you wait for help.[2]
- Place them on their side. If they are unconscious but breathing, roll them onto their side to keep their airway clear. Stay there until emergency responders take over.[2]
Finding Opioid Treatment for a Loved One: Steps to Take
Seeking help for another person can be tough. However, a few clear steps can point the way. In 2023, about 5.7 million people in the United States had opioid use disorder.[4]
5.7 million
people in the United States had opioid use disorder in 2023[4]
- Search FindTreatment.gov. This is SAMHSA’s online tool to find treatment services.[5] It is best for browsing a wide list of local options by zip code, type of care, and cost. Enter your loved one’s zip code to see nearby options.
- Call for help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline offers free, confidential referrals 24/7.[6] This is a good first step if you are unsure where to start or need immediate guidance. You can also ask your state or county health agency for local resources; these agencies often handle licensing and can point you to regulated providers in your area.[7]
- Check details directly. Call more than one program. Confirm they treat opioids, have openings, and how to start. Direct calls are essential for verifying current availability and specific program requirements.
Use more than one search tool so you do not rely on just one site. Read our practical guide to finding rehab for tips on choosing a facility. Focus on opioid-specific needs to find the right care for your loved one.
Which Opioid Treatment Options Should You Discuss?
Inquire about the tools programs use. The FDA has approved three meds for opioid use disorder: naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone.[8] These medicines act differently. They are not identical.[9] A provider will assist in selecting the best fit for your loved one.
| Option | What to ask | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Methadone | "Do you offer methadone? What are the visit rules?" | Given at special clinics. Needs a set schedule.[8] |
| Naltrexone | "Do you give naltrexone shots or pills?" | Blocks opioid effects. Must be started only after an appropriate opioid-free period, with timing assessed by a clinician. Read about naltrexone safety and opioid use. |
| Counseling | "What kind of talk therapy do you offer?" | Helps with recovery goals. Should not block meds.[10] |
| Care Setting | "Does outpatient care fit my schedule?" | Matches care to personal needs.[11] See outpatient options for working adults. |
Talk therapy aids recovery for many people. However, it should not prevent access to medication. ASAM states counseling is not needed to receive meds.[10] Inquire how the program checks your loved one’s needs. This aids in finding the right level of care.[11]
Staying in treatment lowers the risk of overdose and death. This is true for methadone and buprenorphine.[12] Seek a lasting plan. If your loved one works, inquire about outpatient hours that match their job.
Talking Points for Your First Phone Call
Begin the call in a plain, open way. Tell them you are asking for a person you care about. Ask if they treat opioid use and what comes first. This keeps the chat focused on the real steps.
Compare programs using the checklist below. It helps you see what comes next.
Questions for an Opioid Treatment Program
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Local rules change by state. State bodies handle licensing for residential treatment providers. Look up your state agency. This confirms the program meets local standards.
Privacy rules are also key. Federal law guards records for substance use disorder care.[13] Programs covered by this law must keep records private. The patient usually gives consent first. Then the program can talk to family. Ask about this early. It helps everyone know what to expect.
Learn more about picking a provider in our guide on verifying rehab directory details.
When Your Loved One Is Not Ready for Care
Usually, you cannot make an adult take treatment. Some states have limited legal rules for forced care.[14] Pushing hard often pushes people away. Instead, stay near them and leave the door open. How you back someone with opioid use is very important.
Talk when things are calm. Do not bring it up during a fight. Share what you see. Do not use words like “addict.” Hear them out. Then, give one clear next step. You might suggest making a phone call together.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| "You are ruining this family." | "I am worried about your health." |
| "If you don't stop, I'm leaving." | "What would make you feel safe to talk?" |
| "It's not that bad yet." | "I noticed you missed work twice." |
| "Just say yes and go to rehab." | "Can we look at options together?" |
A formal intervention is not the sole route. If your family thinks about one, get help first. Speak with a qualified professional. Unexpected confrontations may damage trust. This makes giving future help more difficult.
If you go ahead with an intervention, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Seek guidance from an addiction professional.
- Line up specific facts and limits with other family members.
- Set aside a calm time to talk.
- Make a list of treatment options to show.
- Steer clear of force or conflict if violence is a risk.
Ask a clinician about CRAFT. The full name is Community Reinforcement and Family Training. It helps family members get loved ones into treatment.[15] Studies show it can lift the odds of starting care.[15] Coaches work with family members directly.[15] It works even if the person has not started treatment.[15] You get tools to encourage change. You do not need to use pressure or blame.
Handling Conflict and Setting Housing Limits
Safety is the top priority for you and others. If anyone is in immediate danger, move to a safer place if you can and call 911. Avoid confrontations that could make harm more likely.
You can set clear limits on what you can safely offer. This might mean saying you cannot allow drug use in your home or that you will leave if violence occurs. Do not mix these limits with threats or tries to force treatment. Limits protect your health, but forcing treatment often drives people away from help.
Talk to a local legal aid office or tenant-rights organization first. Do this before you change locks, remove belongings, or shut off utilities. Occupancy rights and notice rules vary by location. Confirm the right steps with local legal aid or a tenant-rights organization. Acting without knowing the law can create legal problems. It may also make the situation more dangerous for everyone involved.
Steps for Contacting Local Legal Aid or Tenant-Rights Groups
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How to Find Opioid Care if You Have No Insurance
You should not let lack of insurance stop you from finding care. Public and low-cost routes can help.
- Check Medicaid eligibility. Contact your state Medicaid agency or visit HealthCare.gov. See if your loved one qualifies for coverage.
- Ask about public funding. Call your state behavioral health agency. Also call your county health department. Ask about publicly funded treatment or local grants.
- Inquire about flexible costs. Call treatment programs directly. Ask about income-based fees or payment plans. Ask for referrals if they cannot help.
- Contact an HRSA health center. Reach out to a nearby center. Ask about behavioral health services or referrals. Confirm if they provide specific opioid care, as services vary.[16]
Costs at HRSA-funded health centers often follow a sliding fee scale.[16] Your income decides what you pay. This can make care more accessible. Our guide on opioid treatment without insurance covers costs.
Look After Your Health and Pick a Safe Path
Looking after a person with an opioid use disorder is draining. You also need support. Nar-Anon Family Groups and similar groups give peer support to friends and relatives dealing with another person's drug use.[17] Use the Find a Meeting locator on the Nar-Anon website to find a local meeting. CRAFT is another choice. It is a program meant to help worried partners or family members get their loved ones into treatment.[15] Sharing your own stress with a trusted doctor, counselor, or friend can also help you hold steady.
Run this brief check to pick one useful move forward.
What Is Your Next Step?
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis. It cannot assess or diagnose your loved one. If you see signs of an overdose, call 911 now. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find opioid treatment near me?
Search FindTreatment.gov to find local programs. You can also call SAMHSA’s National Helpline for referrals. It is an information service, not a treatment provider.[5] Call the programs directly. Ask if they treat opioid use disorder. Check for openings and how to start.
How can I find treatment if my loved one does not have insurance?
Check if your loved one qualifies for Medicaid. In expansion states, many adults may qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.[18] Ask state or county agencies about public funding. Call programs to ask about income-based fees. Rules vary by state and situation.
Can I make an adult family member go to treatment?
You cannot force an adult into treatment. Offer support and ask about their options. If there is an immediate safety emergency, call emergency services now. Laws on involuntary treatment vary by state.[14] Consult a qualified local professional for legal advice.
Can naloxone hurt someone who has not taken opioids?
No. Naloxone has no effect on a person who has not taken opioids.[19] If you suspect an overdose, call 911. Use naloxone if you have it. Do not wait to figure out what they took. Get help first.
If naloxone works, does my loved one still need emergency help?
Yes. Call 911 even if the person wakes up. Stay with them and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Naloxone can wear off before the opioid does.[20] Symptoms may return. Emergency care is still needed.
