#ioad

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. 

To remember the loved ones we've lost, Harm Reduction Coalition, in partnership with an incredibly generous donor, has created the Dan Bigg Any Positive Change Award.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). IOAD is a global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

SOME INFO ON HARM REDUCTION AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION (NYC SPECIFIC):

Here is a link that has listings of pharmacies and providers in NYC that will distribute Naloxone (sometimes called Narcan) without a prescription to anyone over the age of sixteen. Naloxone is a medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. We need to fucking take care of each other without bias or passing judgement.

Medicaid covers the cost. People can also pay out of pocket. If someone cannot afford it, the pharmacy will have a list of opioid overdose prevention programs where Naloxone can be obtained for free.

Although, Naloxone can be administered to counter the effects of opioid overdose, 911 should still be notified. In New York State callers are granted immunity protections from charge and prosecution for possession of drugs up to and including an A2 felony offense (possession of up to 8 oz of a controlled substance); alcohol (for underage drinkers); marijuana (any amount); paraphernalia offenses; and sharing of drugs (in NY sharing constitutes a “sales” offense).

Recovery Month poster displayed in clinic at our Medication for Addiction Treatment Centers of Excellence (MATCOE).

The term “recovery” can be overwhelming for many people who love someone struggling with substance dependence or substance use disorder (SUD)/addictions, or who have personal experiences with these issues and who know the term’s history rooted in stigmatizing foundations.

Recently, as I thought through health communication concepts for Recovery Month, I reflected on what I’ve learned to date in the field of addiction medicine. I’m grateful for the thousands of physicians and all health care professionals who dedicate their focus to learning ways to support their patients through our work, and for the hundreds who have kept in touch and gone on to become champions in safer prescribing practices, MAT, and harm reduction strategies.

Most importantly, I admire our thousands of patients in all stages of recovery. They are immensely brave and should be celebrated year-round.

I’m ever-grateful to work as part of a multidisciplinary team of providers, interdisciplinary professionals, and peer specialists. Together, we know that the process of healing is nonlinear, that a small step forward is still progress, and that a step backward is not failure. Our mission, vision, and ongoing work continues to inspire my growth in the field.