Opioid Use Among Individuals in Intimate Relationships
Amber M Jarnecke1, Jeremiah A Schumm2,3, Julianne C Flanagan1,4
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Couple & Family Psychology
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Intimate relationships significantly impact opioid misuse. Many individuals in relationships reported low relationship quality and partner violence, highlighting the need for couples-focused interventions for opioid use disorder.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Addiction Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioid misuse is a significant public health issue associated with high morbidity and mortality.
- Intimate relationships and social support are known to influence substance misuse.
- Limited research exists on the specific characteristics and quality of intimate relationships among individuals with opioid misuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individuals with opioid misuse perceive their relationship functioning.
- To understand the impact of intimate partners on opioid use behaviors.
- To inform the development of interventions targeting both relationship quality and opioid use reduction.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative survey administered to 93 participants recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk.
- Assessment of opioid and other substance use, intimate relationship quality, and partner behaviors.
- Analysis of perceived relationship functioning and partner influence on opioid use.
Main Results:
- Opioid misuse severity varied by sexuality.
- High rates of polysubstance use were observed.
- Many participants reported low relationship quality, intimate partner violence, and shared opioid use with partners.
- Arguments with partners correlated with increased opioid cravings.
- A significant majority (80.7%) expressed interest in couples treatment for opioid use.
Conclusions:
- Intimate relationship dynamics are closely linked to opioid misuse.
- Findings suggest a need for couples-based therapeutic approaches for opioid use disorder.
- Interventions should consider the role of intimate partners in opioid use and recovery.
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