International Overdose Awareness Day is a worldwide campaign to remember the loved ones we have lost to overdose and the families and friends they left behind. We also strive to end the stigma attached to drug overdose and to those who misuse drugs or are in treatment or recovery substance use disorder.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition. Much like other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, SUD develops over time as a result of many contributing factors of the individual’s social environment, genetics, mental and emotional stressors, and lifestyle. Also, like other chronic conditions, those who suffer from the disorder often seek treatment methods to control it. Yet, the maintenance medications for SUD, like methadone, tend to be perceived negatively by the public, as opposed to maintenance medications for other chronic illnesses.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, let us remember…
- No one chooses to have a chronic disease
- Losing a loved one hurts, no matter the cause
- Overdose is preventable
The IOAD event in Anne Arundel County will be held at Arundel Christian Church. While limited in capacity, the event can be viewed on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryAACo.
