Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose. It is a time to remember those who have died and a time to think about the grief held by the family and friends left behind. In 2018, Australia lost 2070 people to drug-induced deaths. It is time to remember those people without stigma.

This message of this year’s campaign is “Time to remember. Time to Act”. The signs and symptoms of a drug overdose depend on the drug, the amount taken and the person’s health. You should always call an ambulance if you think someone has overdosed. The police will only attend if there is a fatality or other issues, such as a threat to the ambulance crew.

A person showing just one or two of these symptoms could be overdosing. This includes:

• Having a seizure
• Experiencing severe headache
• Having chest pains
• Having difficulties breathing, this includes snoring or gurgling when asleep.
• Becoming paranoid, agitated and/or confused.

You can read more the signs and symptoms of an overdose and more about International Overdose Awareness Day by clicking here to visit their website.

Nexus Primary Health provides a free Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) Service. We have qualified and experienced Alcohol and other Drug counsellors. We have a number of programs:

• Counseling and Recovery Services can give you intensive support
• Our youth AOD Worker can help young people between the ages of 12-25 years
• We can provide clean Needle and Syringe packs at our Broadford Office.  
• Non-Residential Withdrawal/Detox Program

Click here to read more about our services.

Join us in reflecting on this year’s message: Time to remember. Time to Act.