Friday, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. This is a day to remember the 290 people who died from overdoses from illegal drugs in BC in 2011. It is also a day to learn about how to prevent, or help during, an overdose. To keep your clients, your family, and yourself safer, you should know the following:
- You can overdose both from illegal and from prescription drugs
- Both stimulants and depressants can lead to overdose. Stimulants include prescription Ritalin, and cocaine. Depressants include many prescription painkillers, and heroin.
- Overdose is more likely if you take too much of a drug, if you mix different drugs, if you take drugs with alcohol, and if you are sick or have not used the drug in a while
- Many overdoses and overdose deaths can be prevented with first aid and medical attention
For further information, and to learn how to help during an overdose, see the BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services pamphlet “OD Survival Guide”, available on August 31, 2012 at www.towardtheheart.com