International Overdose Awareness Day: A Guide to Prevention

Why Does International Overdose Awareness Day Matter?

Each year on August 31st, communities around the world unite to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This global campaign annually commits to ending deaths related to drug overdoses and supporting those affected by addiction.

Many ask: Why does International Overdose Awareness Day matter?

International Overdose Awareness Day aims to prevent overdoses by providing valuable resources for raising awareness. It also honors individuals who have lost their lives to overdose and recognizes the grief experienced by their family and friends.

Ultimately, the day reinforces a dedication to ending overdoses and related harms by giving a voice to those affected by these devastating realities.

Understanding the significance of Overdose Awareness Day can help families and individuals affected by addiction find hope, resources, and pathways to genuine healing. The day also encourages those impacted to get more involved within their communities to help others.

Whether you’re struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), supporting a loved one in addiction recovery, or want to learn more about this critical public health issue, this guide by GateHouse Treatment Center provides essential information.

We will discuss overdose prevention, treatment options, and International Overdose Awareness Day. So, keep reading to learn more about these valuable topics.

To learn more about addiction recovery with GateHouse Treatment, click here. To read other blogs about substance use and treatment options, visit us here.

The Stark Reality of Overdose Death Rates

The statistics surrounding overdose deaths paint a sobering reality of the crisis we face. According to the CDC, roughly 105,000 deaths occurred in 2023, with approximately three-quarters of these deaths related to opioids.

This data represents real people with families, dreams, and futures whose lives ended early; they are more than just random numbers on a list.

According to reports, workplace overdose deaths have risen by 536% since 2011, reaching 464 deaths in 2021. These deaths made up nearly 9% of all occupational injury deaths that year.

This data shows that overdoses impact all areas of our society, including our homes and workplaces.

The opioid crisis has particularly devastated communities across America, with fentanyl emerging as one of the deadliest substances. Today, it is common for dealers to put it in combination with other drugs they sell for various reasons.

The phrase “one pill can kill” has become a stark reminder of how dangerous today’s drug supply has become, where a single, sometimes unintentional choice can end your life forever.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose

Knowing how to identify an overdose can mean the difference between life and death outcomes. An overdose occurs when the body becomes overloaded by toxic amounts of a substance or combination of substances.

The signs of a drug overdose typically vary depending on the type of drug the person consumes, but the most common include:

Physical symptoms:

• Dilated pupils
• Severe difficulty or shallow breathing
• Blue lips or fingers
• Abnormally high body temperature
• Seizures
• Gurgling sounds, which may indicate a blocked airway

Behavioral changes can also occur, including:

• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Paranoia
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Complete unresponsiveness

Time is critical when someone is experiencing an overdose. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, and quick action can save lives.

Understanding What to Do During an Overdose Emergency

If you suspect someone close is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. This call should always be your first step, regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in.

Many states have Good Samaritan laws that offer legal protection for people who call for help during an overdose emergency, even if illegal drug use is involved, so don’t hesitate to call out of fear.

While waiting for emergency services, there are several steps you can take to help the person overdosing. If the person is unconscious, try to keep them awake and breathing. If they’re conscious, keep them sitting up and calm. Never leave someone who may be experiencing an overdose alone.

For suspected opioid overdoses, naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) can be a lifesaver.

Naloxone is now available over the counter at most pharmacies. Some employers and schools are also incorporating naloxone into their emergency response protocols. It is safe to use even if you’re not certain the overdose is opioid-related.

Understanding Naloxone and Its Life-Saving Medication

Naloxone is an FDA-approved, life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. This critical and effective medication counteracts the effects of an active opioid overdose. It restores typical breathing patterns, helping the person survive their overdose in many cases.

Narcan is available in several forms. These include nasal sprays and auto-injectors, making it manageable for people to use without medical training. Many communities now also provide free naloxone training and distribution programs to increase awareness about its efficacy while making it easier to obtain.

However, it’s important to remember that naloxone is not a substitute for immediate, emergency medical care and does not enable drug use. It is also important to note that even after successful administration of Narcan, the person should still receive immediate medical attention, as the effects are temporary, and the underlying overdose may return.

Risk Factors for Substance Use Overdoses

Fortunately, understanding the risk factors for drug overdose can help in developing effective prevention strategies. Many in active addiction don’t recognize that using drugs alone increases overdose risk because there’s no one present to call for help or to administer naloxone.

Additionally, mixing substances, particularly combining opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines, can also significantly increase the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

Other risk factors include:

• Returning to drug use after a period of abstinence (when tolerance has decreased)
• Using drugs from an unknown source
• Having a history of previous overdoses

Mental health conditions, chronic pain, and social isolation can also contribute to increased overdose risk.

Prevention Strategies and Harm Reduction Models

Today, many prevention strategies focus on harm reduction and education. These include using substances with trusted friends present, testing drugs for dangerous additives like fentanyl, starting with smaller amounts, and avoiding mixing different substances.

Seeking addiction treatment for substance use disorders is crucial for long-term protection against overdose, which Overdose Awareness Day also spotlights.

Addiction Treatment Options and the Road to Recovery

Fortunately, recovery from addiction is possible, and there are numerous treatment options available to help individuals heal from various substance use disorders. These approaches may include medical detoxification, residential rehabilitation programs, outpatient treatment, and medication-assisted treatment.

Counseling and other behavioral therapies can support those facing addiction to understand the underlying causes of their use, helping them develop healthier coping strategies and build skills for maintaining long-term recovery.

Ways to Get Involved and Support International Overdose Awareness Day

Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity for communities to come together and act. There are many ways to participate in this critical campaign. Options can include organizing events, sharing educational resources, or supporting those affected by addiction.

Many communities hold candlelight vigils, educational workshops, and memorial services to honor those who lost their battle with addiction during this time. These events provide space for families to share their stories, honor what they lost, and connect with others who have similar lived experiences.

Educational initiatives can help raise awareness about overdose prevention and the importance of treatment. Sharing information about naloxone, recognizing overdose symptoms, and other available resources can also help save lives and reduce stigma surrounding addiction.

Supporting policy changes that expand access to addiction treatment and acquiring Narcan can also help create lasting habit changes.

Many communities are working to pass Good Samaritan laws, expand insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and increase funding for prevention programs. This dedication and unification help to improve life outcomes for many in the addiction community.

Finding Hope and Moving Forward After an Overdose

While the statistics surrounding overdose deaths are hard to digest, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and help is available.

Every person who seeks treatment, every family that learns about naloxone, and every community that comes together to address addiction contribute to saving lives and play a massive role in helping the next person make healthier choices.

So, keep doing your part each International Overdose Awareness Day!

Overdose Prevention and More with Gatehouse Treatment

At Gatehouse Treatment, we understand that recovery is a deeply personal journey.

Our comprehensive approach to addiction treatment combines medical expertise with compassionate care. This combination offers our clients individualized treatment plans that address their distinct recovery needs without judgment.

We provide multiple levels of care, from intensive outpatient programs to partial hospitalization, ensuring that each client receives the right level of support at each phase of their recovery.

Contact Gatehouse Treatment today and speak with a specialist to learn more about how our treatment options may save your life. Call us at (855) 448-3588.

The path to recovery may be challenging, but it’s not one that anyone must walk alone. Don’t hesitate to find a lifeline in our center.