Overdose is preventable
Families and Friends Can Help
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
What can family members and friends do to help prevent overdose death?
Stay connected! Family connection is a protective factor and being loving and kind is not enabling.
Get support for yourself - addiction in the family can be isolating and overwhelming. You are not alone and there is help for you.
If you live with someone uses heroin or pain pills (or has recently become abstinent), ask your pharmacist for Narcan (Naloxone) to keep at home - check out this Naloxone finder for Washington State.
Be an informed healthcare advocate for your loved one by making sure you have accurate and up-to-date research-driven information about effective treatments for opioid use disorders, including medications.