Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally on Saturday, Aug. 31. This day marks the largest annual campaign to end overdose and related harms while remembering those who were lost to overdose and acknowledging those who are living with the grief of losing a loved one to overdose.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, overdoses may occur when a person is overwhelmed by a toxic number of substances (or combination of substances) than they can cope with. Overdoses can be fatal or non-fatal.
Several substances can cause overdoses, including depressants and opioids, fentanyl, alcohol, stimulants and more. Symptoms of an overdose may differ depending on the type of drug that was ingested; however, there are common symptoms that indicate an overdose is occurring.
Common signs and symptoms of an overdose include:
- Dilated pupils, nausea or vomiting, headache, chest
- Seizures, Convulsions or tremors, blue lips or fingers, abnormally high body
- Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of
- Gurgling sounds may indicate that the person’s airway is
- Violent or aggressive behavior, paranoia,
- Disorientation or confusion, unresponsiveness,
Please note that a person doesn’t need to be experiencing all of these symptoms for an overdose to occur. Community members are urged to call 9-1-1 if someone they know may be experiencing an overdose. If available, community members can administer naloxone while waiting for first responders to arrive. If naloxone is administered, try to keep the individual overdosing awake and breathing on their side to prevent choking and stay with the individual until emergency assistance arrives.
There are several resources available for those trying to overcome substance use disorder.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline: This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental health and substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. To access this service, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and visit www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or https://www.findtreatment.gov.
INTERFACE Referral Service: North Attleborough residents and public school students can use this service to find appropriate outpatient mental health services. Community members can access the service online via https://interface.williamjames.edu.
S.A.F.E. Coalition: Community members can access resources, training and more via the S.A.F.E. Coalition. To learn more, call 508-488-8105, email info@safecoalitionma.org or visit www.safecoalitionma.org.
Manet Community Health Center: Manet offers a free and confidential Overdose Prevention Program that features risk assessment/risk reduction planning and Nasal Narcan training and distribution. For more information, call 781-664-4637 or email knowyourstatus@manetchc.org.
Anyone with questions or would like to be connected to more services can contact the Health Department at 508-699-0100 Ext. 2560.
