Supporting Families in the Opioid Crisis: Insights from Dr. Linda Kongnetiman

An article based on the abstract authored in part by Dr. Linda Kongnetiman*

The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across Western Canada, with rising overdose deaths and ongoing struggles for those battling addiction. While much attention is given to individuals using substances, a recent qualitative study co-authored by Dr. Linda Kongnetiman highlights a crucial, often overlooked perspective: the experiences of their family members. Published in The Canadian Journal of Addiction, the study explores the challenges faced by parents and relatives supporting youth and young adults dealing with opioid addiction.

The Burden on Families

The study conducted interviews with 17 family members across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan—primarily mothers—who had firsthand experience supporting loved ones struggling with opioid use. Their accounts reveal two major themes:

1. Stigma and Barriers to Care – Families often encounter discrimination and stigma when seeking medical and addiction services for their loved ones. Healthcare providers and systems can be difficult to navigate, leaving families feeling isolated and unsupported.

   
   

2. Lack of Support for Families – While support services exist for individuals struggling with addiction, family members themselves often lack access to mental health resources, grief counseling, or community support. The emotional distress, social isolation, and trauma experienced by these caregivers remain largely unaddressed.

Dr. Linda Kongnetiman’s Expertise and Recommendations

As a co-author of this study, Dr. Linda Kongnetiman brings valuable insights into the need for a family-inclusive approach in addiction treatment. Her research underscores that parents, siblings, and other caregivers play a vital role in supporting recovery, yet their needs are frequently overlooked. She advocates for:

• Improved access to mental health services for families

• Better education on addiction and its impacts

• Policies that reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders

• Family-centered care models that support both individuals and their loved ones

A Path Forward

By recognizing and addressing the struggles faced by families, we can create a more compassionate and effective response to the opioid crisis. Dr. Kongnetiman’s work emphasizes that addiction doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts entire families. Through family-centered solutions, peer support programs, and accessible mental health services, we can ensure that both individuals and their loved ones receive the help they need.

For more resources and guidance, explore Dr. Linda Kongnetiman’s approach to supporting families in crisis with a 15-minute alignment session.

Read the full abstract here: https://journals.lww.com/cja/abstract/2022/06002/_there_s_no_supports_for_people_in_addiction,_but.8.aspx#

Khan, Faria MPH1; Lynn, Michaela BA1; Porter, Kym2; Kongnetiman, Linda MSW, PhD3; Haines-Saah, Rebecca PhD4. “There's No Supports for People in Addiction, But There's No Supports for Everyone Else Around Them as Well”: A Qualitative Study With Parents and Other Family Members Supporting Youth and Young Adults. The Canadian Journal of Addiction 13(2S):p S72-S82, June 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/CXA.0000000000000149