Held annually on August 31st, Overdose Awareness Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about drug overdoses, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledging the grief of families and friends left behind.

For us here at Latitude, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the role mental health support plays in preventing overdoses and supporting those affected by substance use disorders (SUDs).

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of International Overdose Awareness Day, discuss the role of counselling in overdose prevention, highlight the significance of creating safety plans, and offer guidance on how to support individuals struggling with substance use.

Understanding the Significance of International Overdose Awareness Day

Overdose deaths have become a public health crisis, with opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, being the leading cause.

The aim of International Overdose Awareness Day is not only to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose but also to educate communities on how they can prevent such tragedies in the future.

For us at Latitude, this day is an opportunity to spotlight the critical role that we as mental health professionals play in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to substance use. Substance use disorders often coexists with mental health conditions such as: depression, anxiety, trauma, and unresolved grief.

The Role of Counselling in Overdose Prevention

Counselling is an essential component of a comprehensive approach to overdose prevention. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore the factors driving their substance use, develop coping strategies, and receive emotional support. At Latitude, our counsellors work closely with clients to understand the complexities of their experiences, offering non-judgmental guidance and fostering a sense of hope and empowerment.

Addressing Trauma and Mental Health

Many individuals who struggle with substance use have experienced trauma or have underlying mental health issues that they may use substances to cope with. Counselling provides an avenue for individuals to process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment. By addressing these issues, we can help reduce the reliance on substances as a coping mechanism.

Developing Coping Strategies

Our counsellors work with clients to develop healthy coping strategies that can replace substance use. These strategies might include mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and building a strong support network. The goal is to equip clients with tools that allow them to manage stress, anxiety, and other triggers without turning to drugs or alcohol.

Harm Reduction Approaches

While the ultimate goal is often sobriety, counselling also supports harm reduction approaches. This may include education on safer use practices, such as not using alone, having access to naloxone (a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose), and understanding the risks associated with certain substances. Harm reduction acknowledges that not everyone is ready or able to stop using substances, and it aims to minimize the potential for overdose in the meantime.

Creating Safety Plans: A Vital Tool in Preventing Overdose

Safety plans are personalized strategies designed to help individuals manage crises and avoid potential overdoses. These plans are especially important for those who may not be ready to stop using substances but want to reduce their risk.

Identifying Triggers and Warning Signs

A safety plan begins with identifying triggers that may lead to substance use and recognizing warning signs of an impending crisis. Our counsellors work with clients to pinpoint these factors and develop strategies to either avoid or cope with them in healthier ways.

Establishing Support Networks

A crucial element of a safety plan is building a reliable support network. This network can include friends, family, or support groups who the individual can reach out to when they feel at risk of using substances. Our team of counsellors at Latitude will help clients identify who these people are and encourage open communication about their struggles.

Developing an Action Plan

The action plan within a safety plan outlines specific steps to take during a crisis. This might include contacting a counsellor, reaching out to a trusted friend, or engaging in a grounding activity to reduce anxiety. Having a clear plan can provide a sense of control during overwhelming moments.

Naloxone Training and Accessibility

For individuals at risk of opioid overdose, part of the safety plan should include access to naloxone and training on how to use it. Naloxone can save lives in the event of an overdose, and making sure it is readily available is a critical aspect of harm reduction.

Supporting Individuals and Their Loved Ones

Families and friends often experience immense grief, guilt, and helplessness when someone they care about is battling addiction. Counselling can offer them the support they need to navigate these challenges.

Grief Counselling

For those who have lost a loved one to overdose, grief counselling provides a space to process their emotions, find healing, and begin to rebuild their lives. It’s essential to acknowledge that grief from an overdose can be particularly complex due to the stigma and feelings of guilt that often accompany it.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can help repair relationships that may have been strained due to a loved one’s substance use. It also educates family members on how to support their loved one in recovery while maintaining their own well-being.

Community Resources

Our counsellors here at Latitude can connect families and individuals with community resources, such as support groups for those affected by substance use, educational workshops, and local harm reduction services. These resources provide additional layers of support beyond the counselling room.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a solemn yet powerful reminder of the devastating effects of the overdose crisis, and of the work that needs to be done to combat it. For our team here at Latitude, it’s an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. Through trauma-informed care, harm reduction approaches, and the development of personalized safety plans, we are dedicated to making a positive contribution towards overdose prevention and recovery.

As we observe this day, let us not only remember those who have lost their lives to overdose but also take action to ensure that no more lives are cut short. By fostering understanding, compassion, and support, we can work together to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to recover and thrive.

If you or someone you know if struggling with substance use issues, please reach out to our admin team by filling out the form below.

We would be happy to support you in getting the help you need and setting you up to succeed on your journey to wellness.