Overdose Awareness Week
During Overdose Awareness Week, the President has called upon us to “raise awareness of substance use disorder so that our Nation can combat stigmatization, promote treatment, celebrate recovery, and strengthen our collective efforts to prevent overdose deaths.”
Additionally, August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This year’s 2024 theme is "Together we can”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together. SAMHSA mourns with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose, and we renew our commitment to preventing these tragic deaths.
The substance use crisis in America has had a devastating impact on our communities, families, and individuals. It is essential that we equip our communities with the resources and support needed to prevent the fatal consequences of substance misuse and provide access to evidence-based prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. By doing this, we can give those affected by addiction the best chance of finding long-term recovery and hope for the future.
Statement on International Overdose Awareness Day
Statement on International Overdose Awareness Day
Read the Statement from Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. on International Overdose Awareness Day.
Social Media Toolkit
Post Copy – All Platforms: This week is #OverdoseAwarenessWeek—a time to remember, acknowledge and bring awareness to lives lost to overdose. We have more possibilities than ever before to prevent, treat, and promote recovery from opioid use disorder 💜 Together we can #EndOverdose and save lives samhsa.gov/find-help
Post Copy – All Platforms: If you believe someone in your life is struggling with opioid use, ask them if you can help. 💜 Your support might be just what they need to start their recovery journey. We can all work together to #EndOverdose and save lives. samhsa.gov/find-help #IOAD24 #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
Post Copy – All Platforms: Substance use disorders impact the lives of millions of Americans. But prevention matters, treatment works, and recovery is possible. We can all work together to #EndOverdose. For help and resources visit: samhsa.gov/find-help #OverdoseAware #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Copy – All Platforms: It may be hard to tell whether a person is experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose—you could #SaveALife Here are some things to look for if you think someone is overdosing: cdc.gov/stop-overdose/response/index.html #EndOverdose #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Graphic - Signs of Overdose (PNG | 329 KB)
Post Copy – All Platforms: With the right tools, anyone can act to prevent overdose deaths. Here are some steps to take if you believe someone is overdosing: cdc.gov/stop-overdose/response/index.html #EndOverdose #SaveALife #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Graphic - What to Do (PNG | 272 KB)
Post Copy – All Platforms: Do you know how to prevent and respond to an overdose? It is important for all of us to be aware of the signs of an overdose and how to respond to one. For more information, you can read SAMHSA's Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit, also available in Spanish. store.samhsa.gov/product/overdose-prevention-response-toolkit/pep23-03-00-001 #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Copy – All Platforms: Opioids have serious risks of misuse and overdose. This #OverdoseAwarenessWeek find resources related to opioid overdose and get information to help #EndOverdose: samhsa.gov/end-overdose
Post Copy – All Platforms: When used long term or incorrectly, Rx opioids can cause the brain to become reliant on the drug and be addictive. Get information on overdose and find resources to help #EndOverdose: samhsa.gov/end-overdose #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
Post Copy – All Platforms: If you, a friend, or a loved one has an opioid use disorder (OUD) talk with a health care provider to learn how medications can help. For many people living with OUD, medication can make life’s activities more doable: samhsa.gov/end-overdose #EndOverdose #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Copy – All Platforms: #Naloxone can save a life of someone overdosing and can be administered by first responders—or anyone witnessing an overdose. This #OverdoseAwarenessWeek learn more about naloxone and how to use it to: cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html #SaveALife
Post Copy – All Platforms: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially #SaveALife. Learn more: cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
Post Copy – All Platforms: With the right tools, anyone can act to prevent overdose deaths and #SaveALife. Visit samhsa.gov/end-overdose for information and resources to learn how you, loved ones and community can #EndOverdose and help save lives. #OverdoseAwarenessWeek
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Post Copy – All Platforms: August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember, without stigma, those we've lost and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind 💜 #TogetherWeCan bring our voices together to #EndOverdose and save lives. samhsa.gov/end-overdose #IOAD2024
Post Copy – All Platforms: This #IOAD2024 we’re highlighting the strength of individuals and communities coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose. Let’s remember #TogetherWeCan prevent and #EndOverdose and save lives. Visit samhsa.gov/end-overdose for resources and information.
Post Copy – All Platforms: #TogetherWeCan take action to prevent and #EndOverdose deaths and save lives. On #IOAD2024 learn about overdose and how to potentially save a life, get information on overdose, and find help for yourself or for others: samhsa.gov/end-overdose
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Post Graphic – International Overdose Awareness Day (PNG | 807 KB)
Post Graphic – International Overdose Awareness Day, Get Information (PNG | 719 KB)
Related Resources
- Evidence-Based Resources About Opioid Overdose: Resources about opioid overdose providing information and tools to incorporate evidence-based practices into communities or clinical settings.
- Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit: This toolkit offers strategies to health care providers, communities, and local governments for developing practices and policies to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. It is also available in Spanish.
- FindTreatment.gov: The confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
- Medications for Substance Use Disorders: Learn how medications can be used to treat substance use disorders, sustain recovery and prevent overdose.
- Know the Risks of Using Drugs: All drug use comes with risk. Know the facts before letting drugs take their toll on you and your family.
- Harm Reduction: Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging with people who use drugs and equipping them with life-saving tools and information to create positive change in their lives and potentially save their lives.
- Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications (OORM): Naloxone and nalmefene are two types of OORMs. Learn more about these medications and the signs of an overdose.
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Resources are available for a wide variety of audiences including families, parents/caregivers, teens, and practitioners.