Civil commitment perspectives and experiences among friends and family of people who use illicit opioids in Massachusetts, USA

•Civil commitment is one strategy used by family members of someone with OUD to initiate treatment.•Families turn to civil commitment because they believe it prevents fatal opioid overdose.•Families are influenced to use civil commitment through social relationships and support groups.•Some report that civil commitment provides respite for families caring for someone with OUD.•Only a minority of families endorse the use of corrections facilities for civil commitment.