International Overdose Awareness Day, observed on August 31st each year, is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the lives lost to drug overdose, supporting those currently struggling, and advocating for change. It serves as a reminder that addiction knows no boundaries and affects individuals and families across the globe. In this blog post, I dive into the significance of this day and explore ways we can come together to make a difference.
Remembering Lives Lost and Building Awareness
International Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the devastating impact of drug overdoses. It is a time to honour the memories of those we have lost, whose lives were cut short by this preventable tragedy. Through public memorials, candlelight vigils, and virtual events, communities worldwide unite in remembrance, paying tribute to the lives lost and offering solace to grieving families. This collective mourning serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address addiction, reduce stigma, and prioritize life-saving initiatives.
Supporting Those Affected
Beyond remembrance, International Overdose Awareness Day is also about supporting individuals and families currently grappling with addiction, and the loved ones of addicts. It is essential to foster a compassionate and understanding environment where those seeking recovery feel safe and supported. By spreading awareness, sharing educational resources, and promoting access to treatment, we can encourage individuals to seek help, break free from the grip of addiction, and embark on a path to healing.
I understand the devastation that addiction can cause from my own personal experience. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in the early 1970s, I was given prescription after prescription of very addictive drugs for many years, such as Valium, codeine, morphine, and oxycontin. Thus began a horrific 15-year opioid addiction that nearly killed me—a few times. In 1987, I finally reached out for help and started my journey of recovery. I am currently 36 years clean and sober, and I have been working in the addiction field for the past three decades with both addicts and the families that love them, in my counselling practice, Love With Boundaries.
Advocating for Change
International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a rallying cry to advocate for change at both individual and systemic levels. It is crucial to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding addiction, challenge prejudice, and break down barriers to treatment. By advocating for evidence-based approaches, increased funding for addiction services, and improved access to comprehensive education and prevention that will strategically lead to necessary treatment services, we can save lives and create a society where individuals struggling with addiction receive the care and support they need.
How You Can Take Part
There are several ways you can take part and help build awareness about International Overdose Awareness Day. You can post a tribute to a loved one you have lost to overdose, or share one of our social media posts to help spread the message. You can purchase my book Loving An Addict Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction to donate to a loved one of an addict, to help support their journey. We also invite you to follow our Love With Boundaries social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to learn about and participate in our September Recovery Month activities. And please don’t forget to take a moment to honour your own resilience and self-care!
International Overdose Awareness Day offers an opportunity for us to reflect on the devastating toll of drug overdoses, learn how to help those currently in the throes of addiction and advocate for comprehensive change. Together, we can remember the lives lost, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that prioritize prevention, treatment, and recovery. By uniting as a global community, we can make a tangible difference and work toward a future where no one has to suffer from the tragic consequences of substance abuse any longer. Let us walk this path of remembrance, support, and advocacy hand in hand, ensuring that International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a catalyst for lasting change.
Trudi E Neufeld says
Dear Candace ,
Thank you for this power message to create awareness of the terrible disease of addiction and the many people who have lost loved ones and have a loved ones who struggles with addiction.
Thankfully they are working on their recovery.. and accessing resources..