Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day
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International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) takes place on August 31 each year with the aim of creating a better understanding of overdose, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths and creating change that reduces the harms associated with drugs use.
It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind.
This year’s theme is “Recognising those people who go unseen” and is about acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in the crisis.
Eilidh Moir, health improvement specialist with NHS Highland said: "There can be a lot of misinformation surrounding drug overdoses, so we must continue to work hard to tackle stigma and challenge perceptions.
“Most accidental overdoses are preventable, and we can all contribute and help prevention by being overdose aware. The Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) App is a free app that contains information on how to recognise an overdose, and what to do in an overdose situation."
The signs of an overdose can include:
- Small, constricted 'pinpoint pupils'
- Falling asleep
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Snoring, chocking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/ or clammy skin
Dial 999 if you suspect a person has overdosed, and do not leave them alone.
Eilidh continues: "If Naloxone is available, use it. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose from opioid drugs, like heroin allowing time for emergency help to arrive. If you don’t have a Naloxone kit and would like one, details on how to get one are available in the HOPE app.”
To support International Overdose Awareness Day the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) have organised awareness raising messages to be shared on Moray Firth Radio and on the evening of August 31, Highland Alcohol and Drug Advice Service (HADAS) have organised for Ness Bridge to be lit up in purple, the colour of Recovery Month.
Debbie Stewart, Highland Alcohol and Drugs co-ordinator, said: “Preventing drug deaths is a national and Highland priority. HADP recognises that much more needs to done and is committed to doing what is required. Everybody can contribute by downloading the HOPE App and being overdose aware”.
The HOPE app is available on:
Remember: Dial 999 if you suspect a person has overdosed, and do not leave them alone.
