𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 (𝟯𝟭 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱) calls attention to the global crisis of drug overdose, honours those who have died and supports people living with the consequences of overdose. Overdose occurs when a person consumes a substance in an amount their body cannot safely process, which can lead to loss of consciousness, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or death; opioid-related overdoses are a major contributor and can often be rapidly reversed with naloxone, a safe emergency medication used by first responders, health services and community members. Increasing access to evidence-based treatments for opioid dependence, expanding naloxone distribution and training, improving prescribing practices, and promoting harm-reduction services are proven ways to reduce fatalities and long-term harms, while removing stigma encourages people to seek help earlier.

This year’s IOAD theme, “𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲,” highlights the shared strength of families, friends and communities working together to prevent overdose, support recovery and recognise grief without judgement. Public awareness, community-led events, and policy action — including better monitoring of opioid dispensing, limiting inappropriate opioid sales, and ensuring treatment availability for those using prescription or illicit opioids — are essential to lower overdose deaths. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available; sustained prevention requires compassionate, coordinated efforts across health services, community organisations and families.

#InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay #IOAD2025 #OneBigFamilyDrivenByHope #NaloxoneSavesLives #EndStigma #HarmReduction #OpioidAwareness #OverdosePrevention #SupportRecovery #SCABPharmacy