Aug. 31 is Overdose Awareness Day – a day set aside as a reminder of the pain and suffering drugs can inflict on families and communities. It is a time to remember those who lost their personal battle with substance use disorder and are no longer with us. A time to remember; a time to act.
Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month in September also serve as a time to overcome the stigma of asking for help. DBHIDS is dedicated to educating, strengthening, and serving individuals and communities so that all Philadelphians can thrive. Always remember: It's OK to not be OK. You're not alone. We are here to help.
Overdose and Stigma
People sometimes ask: “Why can’t people stop? Why won’t they just stop using or drinking?” If it were that easy, we would not have an epidemic.
Do not be embarrassed to mourn those you have lost; more people relate to this than you can imagine. In fact, more than 23 million adults in the nation have struggled with drug use, according to the NIH. Be vocal about it because it allows others to not feel alone.
Help prevent deaths due to overdose:
- Get trained in Naloxone Administration
- Carry Naloxone with you and store it in your first aid kit at home (use this co-pay coupon or if you are uninsured, visit Prevention Point Philadelphia)
If you know someone who uses drugs:
- Encourage them to test their drugs with Fentanyl Test Strips
- Encourage them to not use alone
Narcan Training
Mental Health First Aid
If you suspect someone is struggling with addiction, Mental Health First Aid training can help.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance and alcohol use disorder and how to respond using the MHFA Action Plan. Remember to have realistic expectations. Major behavior changes take time to achieve and often involve the person going through a number of stages. A conversation is the first step to opening the door to a road to recovery.
Mental Health First Aid training teaches how to have those conversations. Find out how to get trained for free.
