August 31, 2023, is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This is the world’s largest annual campaign to:
- End overdose
- Remember those who have died from overdoses
- Acknowledging the grief of the friends and family left behind
The theme this year is “Recognizing those people who go unseen.” It’s about acknowledging (without stigmatizing) people in the communities who are affected by overdose but go unseen in the crisis. It’s obviously unfortunate that we need a day to make people aware of overdosing, but we do, and it could help save a life.
At Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, our drug rehab facility is dedicated to saving lives through the promotion of overdose awareness.
Overdose Facts
According to data from the CDC and other sources:
- Out of the nearly 110,000 drug overdose deaths reported in 2022, about 75% were associated with opioid abuse.
- Unintentional workplace overdose deaths from nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol have increased by 536% since 2011, totaling 464 in 2021. This accounts for almost 9% of all occupational injury deaths that year.
- Opioids, mostly synthetic opioids, are the main cause of drug overdose deaths. Nearly 88% of opioid-related overdose deaths.
- In 2021, cocaine abuse caused almost 23% of overdose deaths.
- Overdose deaths involving psychostimulants (such as meth, ecstasy, and prescription stimulants) are increasing with and without opioid involvement.
- Each year from 2017 to 2020, an average of 2,467 people died nationally from alcohol poisoning.
How to Recognize an Overdose
Depending on the substance, overdoses will look different from one another. Here is a breakdown of each commonly abused substance and how overdose can occur.
What to Do When Someone Overdoses
D you know what to do when someone overdoses? Immediate action is necessary. Even if you aren’t sure, it’s important to always call 911 first. It could be the difference between life and death.
Factors that Increase the Risk of An Overdose
- Using multiple drugs at the same time can increase the body’s need for oxygen while simultaneously slowing the ability to get oxygen. If you must mix substances, go slowly and use opioids first.
- Using drugs after a period of abstinence because drug tolerance decreases rapidly when usage is stopped for any reason.
- Using drugs alone. Never use alone and don’t lock doors.
- The potency and quality of a drug can change with a different batch or a new source.
- An individual’s age and physical health can have an effect on tolerance. HIV and Hepatitis can increase risk. In addition, people who smoke and those with asthma and/or respiratory illness may have more problems breathing during an overdose
Tips On How to Be Involved in Overdose Awareness Day
This annual global event is a way to remember those people who are gone too soon, and to commit to preventing these deaths. You can help your loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors by learning what you can do to save lives. Here are some things you can do:
- Talk to your employer about adding naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray to the first aid kits and train employees how to use it.
- Encourage your workplace to take part in Overdose Awareness Day activities such as holding a candlelight vigil, and purchasing or making purple wristbands or other items to wear on August 31.
- Learn to identify the signs of an overdose so you’re prepared to take action.
- Post IOAD messages using the hashtags #OverdoseAware, #IOAD2023, or #EndOverdose on social media.
Working to Combat the Overdose Crisis at Discovery
The Discovery Institute has been in the business of combatting addiction and overdose for over 50 years. We’re working to fight this crisis by providing addiction treatment programs and therapy services for people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. If you or someone you care about needs help, we urge you to contact us today. By starting a path to recovery, with experienced, caring, professional help, you are helping to combat this plague.
According to data from the CDC and other sources:
This annual global event is a way to remember those people who are gone too soon, and to commit to preventing these deaths. You can help your loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors by learning what you can do to save lives. Here are some things you can do:
