.svg)
On August 31, the world will come together to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day. This day serves as a global platform for raising awareness about the risks of overdose, and reducing the stigma around addiction. It also provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives due to an overdose, and to honor those who are fighting in the fight against drugs and alcohol misuse. By working together and taking action, we can create a future free from drug-related deaths.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Substance Misuse</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 1960s, recreational drug use became increasingly common worldwide, leading to a rise in drug overdose fatalities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The War on Drugs Campaign</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Richard Nixon declares "war on drugs," an initiative aimed at reducing illegal drug trade in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s - 1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Opioid Crisis Emerges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths were recorded in the United States, marking the beginning of the ongoing opioid crisis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Overdose Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The First International Overdose Awareness Day is organized by The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>This observance gained global recognition and was endorsed by various international health organizations, solidifying its yearly commemoration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Now</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ongoing Fight Against Overdose</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Overdose Awareness Day continues to shed light on the detrimental effects of drug abuse and overdose on families and societies.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to overdose and to raise awareness. Invite local officials, organizations and individuals who are working to address the opioid crisis in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a memorial wall</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a memorial wall with photos and artifacts of those who have died from an overdose. The wall can be displayed at a local event or online to help spread the message that overdose deaths are preventable.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an educational event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host an educational event to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to respond. Invite medical professionals, first responders, and other experts to provide valuable information on the issue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer with a local organization that is providing support, resources, and services to those affected by overdose. This could include speaking with survivors, helping to organize events, or providing support to families of those affected.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise funds for research</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Raise funds for research into new treatments for opioid use disorder and overdose prevention. Consider organizing a fundraiser or setting up a donation page to help support research initiatives.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises awareness of overdose issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Overdose Awareness Day helps raise awareness about the dangers of drug overdose and how it can affect people and their families. It not only focuses on raising awareness of the issue, but also aims to tackle the stigma associated with substance use and overdoses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides resources for victims & families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Overdose Awareness Day also provides important resources for both victims and their families. Such resources include information on addiction treatment services, support groups and helplines that can provide invaluable assistance during difficult times.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages responsible attitudes towards drugs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By promoting an understanding of the risks associated with drug use, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create a culture that encourages safe and responsible attitudes towards drugs. This is especially important in today’s society where drug abuse is increasingly prevalent among young people.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Overdose is a Worldwide Issue</h3><p class='facts-content'>Drug overdose is a global problem, affecting millions of individuals and families across the world. It knows no social, economic, or national boundaries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Overdoses are Accidental</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many overdoses occur when people misuse prescription medication, often mixing them with other substances such as alcohol, leading to inadvertent overdoses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Certain Drugs Pose Higher Overdose Risks</h3><p class='facts-content'>Opiates, including heroin and several prescription pain medications, pose a higher risk of overdose due to their effect of suppressing the respiratory system.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Naloxone Usage Saves Lives</h3><p class='facts-content'>Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and prevent death if administered in time. Increasing public access to naloxone is a key part of addressing the opioid crisis.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Recovery is Possible</h3><p class='facts-content'>While awareness about the risks of overdose is crucial, it's equally important to understand that addiction is a disease and recovery is possible with proper treatment and support.</p></div></div>
International Overdose Awareness Day is celebrated on August 31 every year. In 2024 International Overdose Awareness Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Aug 31
Thursday
2024
Aug 31
Saturday
2025
Aug 31
Sunday
2026
Aug 31
Monday
2027
Aug 31
Tuesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
