Every year on August 31st, the world comes together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. This solemn occasion serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of the devastating toll drug overdose has on individuals, families, and communities and remember those lost without shame or stigma. As the opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc across the nation, there is an ever-growing need for effective measures to combat the epidemic. Opioid settlements have emerged as a crucial strategy of addressing the crisis, providing hope for change and support to those affected; but do they focus enough on injury prevention?
Many states are receiving badly needed settlements and grants and used for opioid abatement programs. Some states are ensuring wider access to naloxone (NARCANTM) by making the overdose treatment drug available over the counter and in public vending machines. Other state and local governments are investing in addiction treatment programs, counseling services, and rehabilitation centers that can provide much-needed support to those seeking to overcome opioid use disorder.
Prevention is needed
Opioid settlements have played a significant role in providing financial resources to support treatment and recovery efforts, but the number of overdoses continue to rise according to recent reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, California, and Minnesota. Prevention is a critical aspect of addressing the opioid crisis proactively and reducing the occurrence of overdose and substance use-related harms.
According to research published in Association of Household Opioid Availability With Opioid Overdose, simply having an opioid prescription in the home increases the chances of opioid overdose by over 5%. By using an in-home disposal product like DisposeRx packets to remove unneeded opioids from the home, the chance of overdose decreases.
Time to Remember. Time to Act.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, let’s take a moment to honor those lost, and better understand the opioid crisis and its far-reaching effects. Through increased awareness and financial resources, there is hope for positive change in addressing addiction, preventing overdose deaths, and supporting recovery efforts. Through opioid settlements, the financial resources are in place. Critical education on safe medication management is needed so that patients understand the risks of having unused medication in the home. Partnering the education with a tool to use for proper disposal can help to reduce the the risks and harms of having unused medication in the home.
Mark your calendars for August 31st and stand with us as we remember, educate, and act on International Overdose Awareness Day. Together, we can build a future free from the devastation of overdose.
