Recognized in over 40 countries, international overdose awareness day was first initiated in Australia by SJ Finn in 2001. It was during a needle program that operated out of the Salvation Army that the idea was born. This special day is recognized on August 31each year. Although drug overdose is a heart-wrenching time for any family, people come together on this day to try to spread awareness of the overdose problem. If you or a loved one is dealing with drug addiction, a medical detox center in Houston can help.
You may be wondering how you can help recognize this day. Maybe you know someone who has overdosed or maybe you don’t, but you are interested in helping others. Here are three ways you can make a difference.
1. Attend or Have a Candlelight Vigil
During international overdose awareness day 2019, there will be vigils all across the country in honor of those who have died due to a drug overdose. If you know of a neighbor, co-worker, or loved one who lost someone near to them due to drugs, attend a candlelight vigil with them. If you lost someone, gather friends and others and hold a candlelight vigil in honor of your loved one. This helps spread awareness to others.
2. Show Support to Those Affected
Many ways exist that will encourage those who have lost someone to drugs. You could open your home or business for a period of time, and host an educational program about drug addiction and overdose. You could even allow this time to be for people to share their grief over losing a loved one —give them a place to open up and grieve. If you do have a business, you could allow people to place the names of their loved ones on a large display.
3. Share Information
On International Overdose Awareness Day take time to share information with others. You can obtain relevant information from the National Safety Council about how to go about that. You can also wear a purple wristband, pin, or shirt in honor of the day, which may be a conversation starter with some people.
There is no right or wrong way to bring awareness during this important day. Every effort is helpful.
We’re Here for You During International Overdose Awareness Day
At Serenity Light Recovery, our compassionate and trained staff is here to guide you or someone you love to a place of healing. Our serene facility offers hope in times of need. We walk with those affected on their journey to a new life. In addition, we offer a broad range of programs for those with addiction issues. Some of these treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Inpatient treatment
- Aftercare program
- Family program
- Extended care programs
Overcome your drug or alcohol addiction and discover the dawn of a new beginning this international overdose awareness day. Begin your journey to a brighter tomorrow. Contact us at (281) 431-6700, and we’ll get you on the pathway of light.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
