Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In 2024 alone, the CDC reported over 100,000 overdose deaths, with opioids—especially synthetic opioids like fentanyl—accounting for the majority. CDC and partners celebrate health awareness and observances each year. They are powerful focal points to rally around and make a difference.
Honoring Those We’ve Lost
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 115,000 people worldwide died from opioid overdose in 2017. Each year, around half a million deaths worldwide may link to drug use, with around 70% related to opioids. As a person who has been in recovery for 8 years from 16 years of an addiction, Bergdall is passionate about recovery. “Multiple factors can trigger an overdose, it can happen to anyone. Community support is very important in order to make a change or an impact,” she says. Since many lives were taken by overdose during COVID-19, Zocco notes that more loved ones were looking for support during the pandemic.
- Beckmann notes that they do email blasts to reach different segments of the community.
- Together, we can work toward a future where overdose deaths are preventable, treatment is accessible, and recovery is supported by entire communities.
- Krystal Kavita Jagoo is a social worker, committed to anti-oppressive practice, who has worked for three academic institutions across Canada.
- Prevention and treatment of drug overdoses improve when we raise our voices as one.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
- For detailed information about specific substance overdoses, including cocaine overdose risks, consult our comprehensive treatment resources.
- Many individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) feel ashamed or afraid to seek help, fearing judgment or discrimination.
- An estimated 74 million Americans live with pain that lasts for more than 24 hours, and chronic pain is a leading cause of disability in the U.S.
- Organizations such as the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide (AFSP) use this week to promote education on the signs of depression and other conditions that can result in suicidal tendencies.
- Contact us to learn more about how we can support you in overcoming addiction and achieving lasting wellness.
Dr. Drosnes highlights, “Most people who overdose, survive it with a resultant diminished quality of life. They may have permanently impaired brain function, physical disabilities, and fewer opportunities.” Most people who overdose, survive it with a resultant diminished quality of life. They may have permanently impaired brain function, physical disabilities, and fewer opportunities.
National Wear Red Day February 7
When programs shut down during the pandemic, Bergdall explains how it made it harder for those in recovery to get the support from recovery meetings and in-person PRSS services during COVID-19. Zocco even provides a space online for loved ones to share photos of those who are no longer alive following an overdose. “A lot of families found their way to The FRoM Project Inc. on Facebook,” she says. MaryBeth Moore Zocco is based in Davenport, Florida, and founded The FRoM Project Inc., which stands for Forever Ryan’s Mom, following the death of her youngest son Ryan by fentanyl overdose at the age of 25.
Office of National Drug Control Policy
The only good news here is that decreases in breast cancer deaths may be attributable to new research, earlier screenings, increased awareness, and new and improved treatment options. A free monthly virtual educational webinar to support our mental health providers. Our comprehensive approach to addiction treatment combines medical expertise with compassionate care. This combination offers our clients individualized treatment plans that address their distinct recovery needs without judgment.
Even if it’s not April, learning to manage stress will lead to a healthier life. In 2021, Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week will be observed from March 22 to 28 to raise public awareness about inhalant abuse, which affects users as young as 10 years old. Naomi Carr is a qualified mental health nurse with several years of experience working with children and adults in the UK. Both observances aim to support and encourage breastfeeding and raise awareness about the support systems available to new mothers and birthing parents. Many states have Good Samaritan laws that offer legal protection for people who call for help during an overdose emergency, even if illegal drug use is involved, so don’t hesitate to call out of fear. The phrase “one pill can kill” has become a stark reminder of how dangerous today’s drug supply has become, where a single, sometimes unintentional choice can end your life forever.
Experts also consider using substances that don’t have an accepted medical use — like heroin — or medications that you don’t have a prescription awareness and health observances observances drug overdose for — like oxycodone or fentanyl — misuse. Open conversations about the realities of drug use and overdose can dismantle the barriers of stigma and shame that often deter individuals from seeking help. Whether it’s a blog post, a community talk, or a simple conversation, every dialogue matters. There can be consequences that commonly impact families and friends in different, challenging ways, as opposed to grieving over a loved one’s death, according to Dr. Droses.
According to the CDC, roughly 105,000 deaths occurred in 2023, with approximately three-quarters of these deaths related to opioids. Join us as an IOAD partner by using your voice and platforms to spread the message of ending overdose. This partner toolkit provides free resources for you to use, including key IOAD messages, social media content, and more.
It is also important to note that even after successful administration of Narcan, the person should still receive immediate medical attention, as the effects are temporary, and the underlying overdose may return. Naloxone is an FDA-approved, life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. This critical and effective medication counteracts the effects of an active opioid overdose. It restores typical breathing patterns, helping the person survive their overdose in many cases.
The National Institute of Health reports that half of the lifetime cases of mental illness start by the age of 14. Substance Use Prevention Month, observed every October, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventing substance use among individuals, particularly youth. In a recent presidential proclamation, President Biden reiterated the importance of this practice, with the aim to support young people in leading healthy and successful lives.
