You've Got a Friend in Me: Social Support and Opioid Treatment Disclosure in a National Sample

Research has shown social relationships play a central role in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), yet little is known about how perceived relational dynamics influence willingness to disclose OUD treatment. Although stigma is a well-documented barrier, less is known about the interpersonal conditions that promote openness about treatment experiences. This study investigates how attitudes towards relational support, a stigma-related belief, and recovery status are associated with willingness to disclose OUD treatment to friends and family. Data were drawn from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 6,522) via the AmeriSpeak panel. Survey-weighted linear regression models tested whether confidence in supporting others, desire for a friend to share their treatment, and encouragement of others' treatment predicted disclosure attitudes. Guided by the Disclosure Processes Model (DPM) and Minority Stress Theory (MST), disclosure was conceptualized as a relational act shaped by social context. Results showed that greater perceived relational engagement and higher perceived personal risk of developing OUD were positively associated with willingness to disclose. In contrast, individuals currently in recovery were less willing to disclose. Neither the stigma-related belief nor sociodemographic variables were significantly associated with disclosure. These findings highlight the importance of relationship-based approaches to fostering openness during recovery.