International Overdose Awareness Day
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| Courtesy Image from Penington Institute Initiative |
Overdose Awareness Month is in August of every year. However, this year, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has declared the last week of August for Overdose Awareness Week. As well as declaring August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day to remember those who lost their lives because of the overdose epidemic. This week, dedicate some time to remember someone who has lost their life due to a drug overdose by writing a letter or in a journal. Also, by lighting a candle, creating a memory scrapbook, or a memory box to remember them.
Other ways to remember someone
are by eating their favorite meal, visiting their favorite places, reading
their favorite poetry, and listening to their music. Visit their family and
friends and give them support. Additionally, bring awareness of drug overdose
especially from synthetic opioids, fentanyl, and drug stimulants on social
media by providing preventive methods. Use the hashtags, # End Overdose, #Together
We Can, #IOAD2024. On International Overdose Awareness Day, the theme is “Together
We Can” prevent, encourage, and support.
Wear purple, a purple
ribbon, or something purple to bring awareness of drug overdose awareness. Post
information on social media about preventing teenagers and older adults from
substance use and from drug addictions. As well as educational resources about
treatments and addiction recovery. Pay attention to prescribed medications if
you are a caregiver to a pre-teen and to an elderly person. Know their friends,
acquaintances, and family members.
Be alert to any mood
changes, lack of motivation, and listen to them. Listen to their comments and
offer support to them if they are feeling pressured to do drugs in their high
school. Keep track of pain medications and other medications especially if it is
near their bedside. Put away prescribed and over the counter medications away
from young children and teenagers. Consult with a pharmacist or with your primary
doctor about storing medications properly.
Learn and understand
Naloxone to save someone from a drug overdose, especially from opioids. Know
the warning signs of alcohol and a drug overdose such as confusion, vomiting, and
having difficulty in staying awake, seizures, cold body temperature, rapid to
slow heartbeats, shaking, choking, difficulties in breathing, and a pale blue
skin color especially around the lips. Call the emergency number, 911,
especially if you see any of these symptoms as well as other symptoms such as
hallucinations, panic, and aggressive behavior. If you find them unconscious in
their room, call emergency immediately. Furthermore, do not be afraid to call
about a drug overdose especially if you are a neighbor or an acquaintance.
Encourage someone as
they go through their addiction recovery. Have conversations about drug
overdose in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and other public areas to bring
awareness. If your job offers a course about preventing drug overdose, do not
hesitate in taking the class. Additionally, participate in activities that are
offered in your school or college for drug overdose awareness week. Here are
resources about drug overdose prevention.
Overdose Prevention Strategy:
Overdose Awareness Week-SAMHSA:
Overdose Awareness Week-SAMHSA
Overdose Awareness Day-National Safety Council:
Overdose Awareness Day-National Safety Council
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
* Courtesy Image from Penington Institute Initiative
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