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International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day: A day meant to raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by loved ones when they do occur. The idea to increase awareness for the issue of drug overdose with a distinct day was developed in Australia by Sally J. Finn in 2001. Since then it has spread globally and is currently organized by the Penington Institute, an Australian public health research and drug policy organization.
Wearing silver and purple is a great way to show your support for international overdose awareness day, as those are the colors for the movement. Additionally, you can buy a badge from the Overdose Day website, light a candle in remembrance, host an education program about overdosing or provide a safe space for people to tell their stories. If you do choose to observe international overdose awareness day, please share your support on social media and use the hashtag #ioad2022. And if you’re personally struggling with a mental health issue or know someone who is, please use the suicide crisis hot line 988 if you are in the United States and 1(888) 353-2273 if you are in Canada.
Wellbridge
One organization that is dedicated to overdose awareness, education and treatment is the Wellbridge addiction treatment facility in Calverton, New York. Hosted in a 6,000 square-foot facility, Wellbridge’s approach is heavily rooted in a scientific method. Their unique and innovative R.A.R.E (i.e. research assisted recovery emphasis) approach, ensures that data and research assessments are a huge part of treating each patient, continually measuring the effectiveness of its services to ensure that optimal care is reached each time.
Another major initiative of Wellbridge is to eradicate the stigma around getting help as a sign of failure or weakness. The media’s strong condescension toward substance and alcohol abuse can cause individuals to underreport their use or avoid certain details which can have the negative effect of preventing insurance approvals required for them to access care. Wellbridge is truly committed to educating people about this with many educational workshops that happen throughout the year.
Looking to the future, Wellbridge is looking to build an entire spectrum of patient care including Inpatient, Outpatient and residential level extended care. It is also looking to incorporate new methods and medication in its treatments like Rapid Resolution Therapy, Science-Based care, Vivitrol, and Narcan in the near future so watch out for those announcements as well.
Reach out to the Wellbridge Addiction Treatment facility if you’re in the New York area or if you just want to learn more about their unique approach to substance use disorder treatment.
