Overdose Awareness Day raises awareness about fentanyl and other types of drug overdose. It also reduces the stigma associated with substance use disorders and drug-related deaths.

Read to learn more about Overdose Awareness Day 2024 in America and throughout the world, ways to show overdose awareness support for loved ones in addiction recovery, and the signs of overdose. 

You will also learn about Hope’s Destiny’s addiction and mental health treatment services.

What Is Overdose Awareness Day 2024?

International Overdose Awareness Day (OAD) is a global event that takes place annually on August 31.

It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and substance abuse, remember those who have died or suffered an injury due to a drug overdose, and acknowledge the grief of drug overdose victims’ loved ones.

There are many ways to celebrate Overdose Awareness Day. 

Here are some event and activity ideas for International Overdose Awareness Day:

• Plant a tree in a loved one’s honor.
• Invite a speaker to discuss drug overdose, human services for overdose victims, and behavioral health service providers.
• Have a memorial service for someone lost to overdose.
• Host a barbecue awareness event.
• Create and post posters, fact sheets, and graphics for social media about public health issues such as overdose.
• Light a candle to honor memories of those lost. 
• Create an artwork.
• Post a tribute to a loved one.
• Plan and run an education campaign about the dangers of drug addiction and overdose.
• Tell people about Overdose Awareness Day on social media — for example, by sharing personal stories using hashtags like #OverdoseAware and #EndOverdose.

How Overdose and Recovery Are Linked

Overdose and recovery are linked. People in addiction recovery are at high risk for overdose if they relapse and go back to substance use. This is because their tolerance is often lower than before they started treatment. 

Additionally, people who have an active addiction are more likely to overdose due to high tolerances as well.

Why Is Overdose Awareness Important?

Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, along with National Recovery Month in September, highlights how drug overdose awareness is more important than ever before.

According to provisional data from the CDC, nearly 75% of the nearly 110,000 reported drug overdose deaths were attributed to opioids. In other words, we are in the midst of an opioid crisis or opioid epidemic.

Accordingly, overdose and drug overdose deaths have the potential to affect everyone, from lawyers and doctors to first responders.

Overdose awareness is important because it acknowledges the grief felt by friends and family as they remember those who have suffered an injury or died as a result of a drug overdose.

It is also important because it raises awareness about how overdoses are preventable and how people can take steps to help loved ones stay safer.

Ways to Show Overdose Awareness Support for Loved Ones in Addiction Recovery

There are many ways to show overdose awareness support for loved ones in addiction recovery. Here are some tips to get you started.

Keep Communication Lines Open

First, you should keep communication lines open when supporting a loved one in addiction recovery. You can do this by regularly reaching out and asking questions about your loved one’s experiences with recovery and relapse.

Addiction and relapse can be sensitive topics, so remember to approach these conversations with empathy and without judgment. This will give your loved one a safe space to share their experiences and thoughts. 

While communicating with your loved one, you should also pay attention to any signs that may indicate a potential relapse or overdose risk. That way, you can address any concerns when they arise and minimize risks.

Offer to Help

You may also want to consider offering to help support your loved one in their recovery journey and learn the potential risks of overdose.

Depending on your schedule and what your loved one needs, this could involve:

• Taking your loved one to treatment programs if they relapse
• Being a daily or weekly accountability partner
• Helping them access resources like support groups or counseling

You should also be familiar with overdose prevention strategies, such as how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to use opioid overdose reversal medications (OORMs). 

An example of an OORM is naloxone, a fast-acting drug that can temporarily reverse or reduce the effects of opioid overdoses. 

Check in With Your Recovering Loved One

You should regularly check in with your loved one to see how they are feeling and talk about any challenges they are facing. These challenges may include:

• Dealing with stress
• Managing triggers
• Handling cravings
• Navigating social situations
• Addressing their mental health

These check-ins will give your loved one chances to express their concerns. They also show the person that you are always there for them.

Be Mindful of Their Recovery & Overdose Risks

You should always stay mindful of your loved one’s recovery and the ongoing risks associated with overdose.

This involves educating yourself about the substances your loved one was using, understanding what may trigger a relapse, and being aware of the physical and emotional signs of an overdose.

The more mindful you are of your loved one’s recovery and overdose risk, the more support you can give them in maintaining sobriety and reducing the risk of relapse or overdose.

Find New Ways to Spend Time Together

Finally, you should find new ways to spend time with your loved one. 

Specifically, you should engage in activities that promote a sober lifestyle and help your loved one build new, positive experiences. Examples include attending and hosting sober events, participating in sports, and traveling. 

Knowing the Signs of Overdose

Signs of overdose vary depending on the drug. Here are some of the most common signs in general:

• Not breathing or shallow breathing
• Clammy, cold skin
• Blue nails and lips
• Tiny pupils
• Person may be snoring, choking, or making gurgling sounds

Find Help for a Loved One in Addiction Recovery

If you or a loved one is battling substance abuse, you are not alone. Hope’s Destiny’s health services can help with addiction recovery if you are in or near Pennsylvania.

We provide a range of addiction recovery services, including partial hospitalization, support services, psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy, couples therapy, teen treatment, and family therapy.

Contact us today to learn how we can help people and families with addiction recovery. We are dedicated to harm reduction and promoting awareness of overdose deaths.