Today is National Overdose Awareness Day. Substance abuse is closely tied to mental health, and by breaking the stigmas around both of these issues, we can begin to raise awareness about overdose deaths. So let’s talk about it.
The most recent statistics from the CDC report that in 2021, almost 107,000 people in the US died due to drug overdose. That’s over one hundred thousand lives lost–and families grieving–just because of drug overdose. And those numbers are 15% higher than just one year prior.
This is one of the most serious mental health crises our country is facing today. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) tells us that “More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem.” And individuals living with certain mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, are at especially high risk for substance use issues.
As a society, we have to get serious about preventing overdose. And it starts with awareness.
Raising Awareness of Substance Use and Overdose
National Overdose Awareness Day was created in 2001 to shine a light on the issue, take time to remember those who have passed away, and hold space for grieving family and friends as they navigate their losses. There is so much shame and stigma associated with overdose that loved ones often don’t get the chance to openly grieve in the same way that they would with other deaths. Bringing awareness to the issue of overdose helps us to not only lower the number of overdoses, but also break the stigma.
So how can you raise awareness and end the stigma of overdose in your everyday life?
Talk About It
It starts with changing the way that you personally think about drug use. Have you challenged the stigmas that you associate with substance use and overdose? Get facts and statistics from trusted sources like the CDC, SAMHSA, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Learn about how substance abuse is connected to mental health, poverty, trauma, and disability. You can make a difference, but it has to start with you!
The second thing that you can do to raise awareness is to simply talk to the people in your everyday life. Don’t underestimate the power of community and conversation! You never know who may be silently struggling with addiction, mental illness, or even grief over the loss of a loved one due to an overdose.
If you hear someone spreading stigmas about drug use and overdose, share what you know. It doesn’t have to be a negative conversation. Just talk about why those stigmas don’t reflect the reality of drug use and addiction. For instance, substance use problems are higher among people with chronic pain. Many people begin using drugs to medicate against pain, chronic illness, and mental illnesses. And there are genetic and environmental factors that make certain people more likely to experience addiction.
Use Social Media
You can also spread overdose awareness online through social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok give us the ability to share our thoughts on a massive scale at any time. You can use that to better our society! Share those statistics, engage in difficult conversations about addiction, and break the stigmas about overdose. Just remember that your mental health matters, too – if social media begins to negatively impact your mental health, step away.
Make Room for Grief
Anyone who has lost a loved one – whether a friend or family member – to overdose knows that the grief that comes with that loss has many layers. They’re grieving the person who is no longer with them, of course. But they’re also grieving the person their loved one wasn’t able to become. They’re grieving the fact that their loved one never had the chance to overcome addiction. They may be grieving the vibrant relationship they so desperately wanted to have with their loved one, but couldn’t because of drug use. They’re probably grieving the lack of closure. Like any grief, it’s complicated. But the difference is, stigmas surrounding overdose make it harder to grieve openly. And it’s already hard enough!
So one of the best things that you can do for someone grieving a loved one lost to overdose is to make space for them to grieve. Let them know that you want to share in their grief with no judgment. Make room for them to get messy in their feelings about overdose. Because it is messy, and that’s okay.
And if you are struggling with the loss of a loved one to overdose, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out and let’s talk.
Did you catch this week’s LIVE episode of The Be Ruthless Show? In case you missed it, here’s the scoop:
December 2nd marks the beginning of National Grief Awareness Week. No one even knows that it exists, and we’re certainly not talking about it enough. It should be an awareness week that everyone knows about, and everyone observes. It should be highlighted on our calendars! I’ve made it my personal mission to do something about this.
That’s why this year, Griefhab is hosting the 1st annual Healing Together Through the Holidays event! This week-long event will be packed with speakers to help you move through your grief. And the best part is that this is a hybrid event! You can attend in person in Fort Collins, Colorado or you can watch from the comfort of your home. Or you can do both!
We’ll have LIVE speakers and resources as well as virtual speakers from around the country. Griefhab is bringing you everything you need to feel the feelings…. YOUR WAY.
Pre Register now. You don’t have to choose live or virtual. Just reserve your spot now!
And please share this event with any and everyone. No one should struggle alone.
Tune in to yesterday’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show to learn more about Healing Together Through the Holidays, including all the different ways you can get involved.
I’m busting my butt to get these awareness days on calendars and every voice helps!
Thanks so much for being a part of my community and for all of your support!
Make sure to join The Griefhab Community if you haven’t already and check out Team Ruthless to connect with a group that will absolutely change your life!
And remember, you can reach out anytime: sam@samantharuth.com
