Siobhan Robertson
On the 31st of August people across the world come together to remember loved ones, friends and community members who have died from an overdose. Hundreds of events, across at least 37 countries, were held in 2021 despite COVID-19 disruptions.
TRIGGER WARNING: DRUGS, OVERDOSE, NEEDLES, ADDICTION
The annual campaign aims to help people gain a better understanding of an overdose, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths and harms associated with drug use.
Information about the days events can be found on the Overdose Day website. While not all events have been added, it is a good place to start. To find more local events you could ask your local drug and alcohol forum or treatment services. Twitter also has a wealth of information which can be searched for by using the term ‘Overdose Awareness Day’.
Would you know how to save someone from an overdose?
According to the most recent World Annual Drug Report, there were nearly half a million drug-related deaths around the world in 2019.
Recognising the signs of an overdose and calling an ambulance can help save a life. Signs to watch out for include unresponsiveness, snoring, rasping or shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, pale skin and pinpoint pupils (Other drugs may make pupils dilate).
There is an emergency antidote called Naloxone which can be used for overdoses caused by heroin and other opiate or opioids such as methadone, morphine and fentanyl.
Naloxone can be carried by people who are at risk of overdose, friends and family and individuals working in an environment where there is a risk of overdose. Young people under the age of 18 can carry naloxone although this decision is made on a case by case basis by drug treatment services.
The charity, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), offer a free online training course on opiate overdose prevention, intervention and naloxone. They also have an online application to apply for a Naloxone kit.
SFAD resources can be helpful for anyone who is bereaved through alcohol or drugs. On their website you will find guidance on grief, finding out about the death of a loved one, what happens after the death, telling people what happened, and self care. SFAD also offer free counselling sessions.
International Overdose Awareness Day provides opportunities to connect with people who have experienced loss due to overdose or have lived experience of surviving an overdose. It opens the doors to conversations which many people often shy away from. Talking about overdose can be difficult, however it could save a life.
Support
Alcoholics Anonymous
A fellowship of people seeking support and recovery. Groups meet in person and online.
Helpline: 0800 9177650
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous
A fellowship of people seeking support and recovery. Groups meet in person and online.
Helpline: 0300 999 1212
Website: www.ukna.org
Families Anonymous
A fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s use of substances, seeking support and recovery. Groups meet in person and online.
Helpline: 0207 4984 680
Website: www.famanon.org.uk
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
A national charity that supports anyone affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use
Helpline: 08080 10 10 11
Helpline email: helpline@sfad.org.uk
Website: www.sfad.org.uk
Adfam
A small national charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends.
Website: https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families
Featured image of courtesy of OverdoseDay. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Siobhan R
Siobhan is a Scottish Freelance Journalist and one of Empoword’s Social Media Managers. Siobhan writes about a range of social justice issues, with a particular focus on domestic abuse, addiction and disability. Through writing, she aims to help people understand each other's experiences, sharing the difficulties they are living through and exploring what can be done to make a difference.