Standing Together: Overdose Awareness Week 2024
August 31st, 2024, marks International Overdose Awareness Day, concluding a week focused on raising awareness about the ongoing opioid epidemic. The Biden administration recognized this entire week as Overdose Awareness Week to spotlight substance use and abuse, combat stigma, support treatment and recovery, and strengthen our collective efforts to prevent overdose deaths.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, accidental drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death for people under 45, with the number of overdose deaths increasing at an alarming rate of 4% annually. Drug abuse has deeply affected our communities, and while it may take decades to undo the damage, we can start by educating ourselves. A key step is learning how to recognize the signs of an overdose.
Signs of an overdose include:
Cold, clammy skin
Cyanosis (bluish skin, lips, or nails)
Pinpoint pupils
Slowed respiration
Unconsciousness
If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately. For drug-related crises, reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or the Substance Abuse Service Helpline at 1-844-804-7500.
By raising awareness, we can stop the spread of drug abuse and bring hope to those affected.
For more information, visit the [National Institute on Drug Abuse](https://nida.nih.gov/).
