• Aug 1
• AddictionRecovery

Overdose Awareness Day 

*If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

Every year, thousands of lives are lost to overdose. On International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), we come together to honor those we’ve lost, support those who are grieving, and spread life-saving knowledge to help prevent future overdoses. 

Why Overdose Awareness Matters 

Overdose Awareness Day is a time to: 

• Reduce stigma around substance use and mental health 

• Educate people on how to respond in emergencies 

• Encourage prevention through harm reduction, treatment, and support 

• Remember the lives lost due to overdose 

How to Recognize an Overdose 

Knowing the signs of an overdose can save a life. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance, but here are general warning signs to watch for: 

• Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing 

• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up 

• Blue or gray lips and fingertips 

• Gurgling or choking sounds 

• Limp body 

• Irregular pupils 

• Vomiting 

• Slurred speech 

What to Do If You Suspect an Overdose 

• Call 911 immediately. 

• Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available.  

• Try to keep the person awake and aware.  

• If they are unconscious, place them on their side. 

• Stay with them until help arrives. 

*Many states have Good Samaritan Laws that protect you from legal consequences when calling for help during an overdose emergency. 

Preventing Overdoses: What You Can Do 

Overdose prevention goes beyond emergency response. Here’s how we can all help: 

• Carry naloxone. Many organizations or pharmacies even offer free naloxone to support overdose prevention. 

• Know the risks of mixing substances. Combining opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines increases overdose risk. 

• Encourage safer use. If someone is not ready for treatment, harm reduction strategies like using with others present or testing drugs for fentanyl can help reduce risk. 

• Support access to treatment. Medication-assisted recovery (MAR), mental health support, and recovery programs save lives. 

• Check in on loved ones. Isolation can increase the risk of substance use and overdose.  

Honoring Those We’ve Lost 

Today, we remember those we’ve lost to overdose. We hold space for those grieving and remain committed to doing everything we can to prevent more loss. 

Overdose is preventable. Awareness is the first step. This Overdose Awareness Day, let’s work to reduce the stigma and help save lives, because everyone deserves the chance to recover. 

Help is Available 

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, call 877-505-HOPE.