Today, Lake Ave Recovery honors International Overdose Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma, in hopes of ending overdose related deaths. We honor the extraordinary human beings taken from us by drugs, all while listening and learning with an open mind. 

Addiction and overdose do not discriminate. It can happen to anyone. Now, more than ever, we must take action to change the conversation around overdose and substance use. During the Covid-19 pandemic, emergency rooms and urgent care facilities have reported an exponential increase in drug overdoses.

Ways to Honor Those Who Lost Their Life to an Overdose

• Host a (virtual) memorial
• Call up friends and ask how they are doing. Don’t shy away from topics surrounding substance use and overdose
• Create a memorial wall of photos, letters and poems
• Spread awareness and provide naloxone training

It is Important to Know the Signs of an Overdose

Central nervous system (CNS) depressantsOpioids, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, AlcoholWeak pulse, shallow breathing, clammy skin, coma, respiratory arrest. Pinpoint pupils with opioidsStimulantsAmphetamines, Cocaine, MethamphetaminesIncreased and irregular heart rate, hyperthermia, hypertension, agitation, cardiovascular emergencies, seizuresHallucinogensPhencyclidine, LSD, Ecstasy/MDMAPsychotic features, agitation, delirium