International Overdose Awareness Day aims to promote awareness and solutions to prevent drug overdose deaths globally.
August 31st commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day, a day devoted to honoring those who have lost their lives to overdose. The overdose epidemic continues to affect the U.S. and many other countries around the world. Campaigns focused on substance use, such as International Overdose Awareness Day, are vital. They aim to lower overdose fatalities and improve the health of our families, friends, and communities.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can get involved in promoting International Overdose Awareness Day and supporting local community outreach.
Important Overdose Statistics
- In 2021, an estimated 296 million people—one in every 17 individuals aged 15 to 64—used drugs in the past year, a 23% increase from 2011.
- Opioids represent approximately two-thirds (69%) of all drug overdose deaths.
- The estimated number of people using opioids globally increased from 26 to 36 million in 2010 to 61.3 million in 2020.
- Between 2013 and 2023, 1,235 new psychoactive substances were identified across 142 countries and territories.
- Opioids remain the most rapidly rising and harmful category of these substances, with 88 distinct types documented globally in 2021.
The Purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day
The day serves as a powerful reminder of lives lost to drug overdoses and helps reduce the stigma surrounding substance use-related deaths. Stigma remains a major barrier to accessing life-saving treatment.
International Overdose Awareness Day not only raises awareness but also offers:
- A platform for open conversations about substance use
- A safe space for individuals and families affected by addiction
- Opportunities to educate communities on treatment and harm reduction
Key Goals of the Campaign:
- Offer insight into the causes of fatal overdoses
- Initiate dialogue around overdose prevention policies
- Raise awareness among loved ones about the risks
- Promote harm reduction strategies
- Educate about available treatment options
- Encourage involvement in awareness initiatives and events
With overdose as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., this day serves as a call to action for businesses, nonprofits, and communities to focus on overdose prevention and education.
The Importance of Overdose Education
Overdose education is a key component in preventing fatal drug overdoses and reducing harm. It equips individuals, families, and healthcare providers with tools to recognize signs of overdose, respond effectively, and connect individuals with treatment resources.
Overdose Education Promotes:
- Addiction Awareness: Teaching people to recognize symptoms such as slow breathing, unresponsiveness, or bluish skin.
- Naloxone Access: Training individuals to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Naloxone protects thousands of lives every year, saving over 99% of people who receive the medication.
- Treatment Resources: Guiding people to counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery services.
- Stigma Reduction: Encouraging open conversations and support by dismantling harmful stereotypes.
- Community Safety: Building more informed and responsive communities to reduce overdose fatalities.
Helping people recognize an overdose, take immediate action, and find long-term care saves lives and strengthens communities.
How to Participate in Overdose Awareness Day
The opioid crisis affects millions across the U.S. and around the world. Whether or not you’ve been personally impacted, chances are someone you know has. Supporting awareness campaigns can make a difference.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Educate your network: Talk with friends, coworkers, and family about overdose risks and prevention.
- Wear purple: Purple represents compassion, awareness, and remembrance.
- Organize or attend a vigil: Candlelight vigils bring communities together to honor lives lost.
- Support legislation: Advocate for laws that increase access to naloxone and treatment services.
- Host a community event: Plan a walk, a charity fundraiser, or overdose response training.
We all have the capacity to support one another. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate outreach, we can work together to reduce overdose deaths.
Seek Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder with BAART Programs
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time for remembrance and action. If you or someone you care about is seeking support, BAART Programs is here to help.
We provide:
- Personalized treatment services
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Preventative care and overdose education
- Counseling and recovery support
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk beside you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one on the journey to recovery.
You are not alone. On International Overdose Awareness Day and every day, help is available—and recovery is possible.
