International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) serves as an important reminder of the lives lost to drug overdoses. This global event aims to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends.
The Global Impact of Overdose
Drug overdoses claim thousands of lives each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in the past year alone. These deaths are often preventable, highlighting the urgent need for public education, access to life-saving interventions like naloxone and robust support systems for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Naloxone: A Lifesaving Tool
Narcan, a brand of naloxone, is a critical tool in the fight against opioid overdoses. This medication can quickly help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and is available without a prescription in many areas. Public health campaigns are increasingly focused on making Narcan widely available and educating the public about how to use it. In Oklahoma, the website OKimready.org provides helpful information about substance use disorder (SUD) and Oklahoma residents can order free Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
Fighting Stigma and Saving Lives
One of the critical challenges in addressing the overdose crisis is the stigma that surrounds drug use and SUD. Stigma can prevent people from seeking help and can lead to inadequate policy responses. By promoting understanding and compassion, we can encourage more people to access the resources they need to recover and prevent future tragedies.
A Call to Action
IOAD is more than a day of remembrance—it’s a call to action. By educating ourselves and others, we can help save lives and honor the memories of those we’ve lost. Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website to learn more and find events near you.
Contact the NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic at OSU at 918-561-1890 to schedule an appointment. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911. For immediate and confidential emotional support, please call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.