August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event to remember those lost, support those in recovery, and confront the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding substance use and overdose.

One of the most persistent barriers to preventing overdose deaths is misinformation. Myths about who uses drugs, what overdose looks like, and how it can be prevented often lead to stigma, silence, and missed opportunities for help.

Let’s challenge some of the most common misconceptions and replace them with facts that can save lives.

Myth #1: “Overdose only happens to people in active use.”

Truth: Overdose can happen to anyone. People from all walks of life, students, working professionals, parents, and veterans have experienced overdose. Some may misuse a prescription after surgery, others may unknowingly use a substance laced with fentanyl.  Overdose can also occur when someone experiences a relapse after a difficult period in their recovery, or even when a person tries a substance for the very first time. Framing overdose as something that only affects a specific “type” of person blinds us to the true scope of the issue and the many ways it can happen unexpectedly.

Myth #2: “You can tell if someone is going to overdose.”

Truth: Overdose is unpredictable and don’t follow a visible pattern. Factors like tolerance, mixing substances (even unintentionally), or unknown ingredients in street drugs can rapidly lead to a crisis, even for someone who has used before without issue. Also, overdoses can also happen anywhere, not just in the stereotypical abandoned buildings, or private bedrooms and bathrooms. People have experienced overdoses while grocery shopping, sitting in a dental office, walking down the street to school, or watching a movie in a theater. The reality is location doesn’t make someone more or less at risk.

Myth #3: “Only opioids cause fatal overdoses.”

Truth: While opioids like fentanyl are involved in a significant number of overdose deaths, they’re not the only concern. Stimulants (like meth or cocaine), alcohol, and benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) can also be fatal, especially when combined.

Myth #4: “Giving someone Narcan will hurt them if they’re not overdosing.”

Truth: Narcan (naloxone) is safe to use even if the person is not experiencing an opioid overdose. It only works by blocking opioid receptors, so it won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved. With the growing presence of fentanyl in the drug supply, sometimes even in drugs people don’t expect it to be in, it’s always better to administer Narcan if an overdose is suspected.

Myth #5: “There’s nothing I can do to help.”

Truth: Everyone has a role to play in preventing overdose deaths. You don’t need to be a doctor or a counselor. You can:

• Learn to recognize the signs of an overdose
• Carry and know how to use Narcan
• Talk openly about substance use and mental health
• Share resources and support those seeking help
• Challenge stigma when you hear it

Honoring Lives Lost, and Supporting the Living

In 2024, more than 80,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses. From 2020 to 2024 in Lake County, 529 individuals lost their lives to overdoses – 40% being from fentanyl.  These are not just statistics. These were friends, family members, coworkers, classmates, etc.

The ripple effects of these losses extend far beyond one individual. But so do the ripples of support, education, and recovery.

You Are Not Alone

International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us to grieve, to act, and to learn. It’s also a time to connect with loved ones, with resources, and with hope.

If you or someone you know is impacted by substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. There are people and programs ready to walk with you, judgment-free, and full of support.

Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing where to turn.

Resources

Nicasa offers FREE Narcan and test strips for both fentanyl and xylazine. These products are crucial for reducing harm involved with substance use and overdose reversal. Stop by any of Nicasa’s outpatient offices to receive free training on these products.

Nicasa is proud to be able to provide this valuable, lifesaving tool to members of our community and assist Lake County first responders with training and access. Nicasa can also provide training and additional resources for those looking to educate their community and workplace. Please contact  us for more information or to schedule a training.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing concerns with substance use and/or other challenges, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or contact us.