Many families have welcomed adult childrenhome during the COVID-19 outbreak. No matterthe reason for the return, there will bechallenges. If the child has a Substance UseDisorder (SUD) including Opioid Use Disorder(OUD), this may be more difficult for everyone.

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WELCOMING HOME ANADULT CHILD WITHSUBSTANCE USEDISORDER

Promote Healthy DiscussionsNeutral ground - Find a time that works foreveryone. Start the conversation on neutralground such as the living room or kitchenrather than a bedroom or office.  Fears and frustrations - Acknowledgefrustrations they are experiencing - theirroutines have been disrupted. Remind them thisis for the greater good, and all people aremaking sacrifices. Empathy should be shownregarding the feelings of fear anddisappointment. Establish expectations – Provide clear and fairguidelines while your child is living at home.Discuss how both sides can contribute to thisliving arrangement. Have a dialogue regardingexpectations and reasons you feel they areimportant to everyone’s well-being. Encouragequestions.

Love and support - Communicate your loveand support for each other, discuss the benefitsof having extra time together – all have a safeplace to stay during these challenging times.Your child can receive support while stayingwith you. Remain calm - By being patient and calm, yourchild will be better able to cope with theiranxiety and stress and feel more comfortablecoming to you for support or help. Social distancing - These rules must befollowed if going to into public spaces, not onlyfor your child's safety, but for those in yourfamily and the community. If your child is notfollowing the social distancing guidance outsideof the home, consider implementing quarantinemeasures (like designating a room andbathroom only for your child) in the home toprevent the spread of illness.

If you choose to invite your adult childback into your home, remember theyare an adult and have been on theirown. Even though you may not agreewith all their choices, promote mutualand respectful conversations whenaddressing topics surrounding SUD.

How You Can HelpIf your child was drinking (legally or illegally)or using other substances when they wereliving away from home, you can establishboundaries around their use in your home. Thismay be a good time to help reestablishhealthier habits.

If your child takes prescribed medications fora mental health issue, such as depression orADHD, encourage them to consult with theirprescriber to ensure there is no disruption intreatment. You may also offer to help themmanage their medication if they are offered alonger-term supply.

As many in-person support groups have beenmoved to virtual or online sessions –encourage your child to find out how to stayinvolved in their support programs andnetworks.

If your child has struggled with opioids (suchas Oxycontin, Vicodin or heroin) have naloxone(Narcan is a common brand) at home andknow how to use it. Contact your pharmacy orcommunity recovery center for educationabout these medications, their administration,and recovery resources.

If your child uses substances, particularlyalcohol or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax,Ativan, Valium, Klonopin) be aware of the risksof withdrawal. There is an increased risk ofoverdose if an opioid is used with thesesubstances. Supervised medical care may benecessary to avoid seizures and life-threatening complications of withdrawal.Getting help fast is critical.

University of Michigan - Addiction andRecovery ResourcesResources for coping with substance use,online recovery, virtual meetings, educationmaterials, and support applications.medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/addictioncenter/coronavirus-covid-19-addictionrecovery-resources

Resources

Supporting Individuals withSUD During COVID-19Learn about harm reduction, stressmanagement and ways to reduce risksassociated with drug use, addiction,overdose, relapse, and withdrawal.Information for building resilience,mindfulness techniques and many otherresources to support people with SUD/OUD. michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/Resources_for_SUD_OUD_5-6-20_689694_7.pdf

Families Against Narcoticsfamiliesagainstnarcotics.org

National Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7

Michigan Crisis Text Line 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7

Michigan PEER Warmline (for people livingwith serious mental illness)

Immediate Crisis Help

1-800-985-5990

Text Restore to 741741

1-800-273-8255or Text TALK to 741741

1-888-733-7753 daily, 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.Michigan.gov/StayWellFor more supportive resources:

United to Face Addictionufamichigan.org