29 August, 2024
International Overdose Awareness Day, Waterford (YouTube)
International Overdose Awareness Day (observed on August 31 every year) has been marked in Waterford by the hosting of an Information Day at the Central Library.
Focused on awareness and information on overdose and its prevention, the HSE’s Waterford Substance Misuse Team in partnership with the South East Family Support Network hosted the afternoon, where information was available towards creating an awareness of overdose, the responses to overdose and the supports available to individuals or families affected by overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. The HSE’s Waterford Substance Misuse Services and the South East Family Support Network were keen to mark the event by providing education and awareness to service users, their families and also to the wider community.
The South East Family Support Network evolved from family members responding to the crises of problem substance use in their home and community. The network was established thanks to those family members who wished to reach out and support other family members in similar situations and to the vision and support of individuals in community based drug initiatives. The overall aim of the network is to help improve the situation for families coping with substance use by developing, supporting and reinforcing the work of peer family support groups and working for positive change in policy and practice.
One feature discussed at the Overdose Awareness Information Day was Naloxone, a prescription medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs for example heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and synthetic opioids (for example nitazenes). Naloxone is one of the resources utilised by the Substance Misuse Team in its work with those engaged with the service.
If someone experiences an overdose, Naloxone can help to keep a person alive until an ambulance arrives. Naloxone works by displacing opioid molecules from their receptors in the body and brain. There are two types of naloxone available in Ireland, one being a pre-filled syringe and needle which, once assembled, is injected into the middle outer thigh. There is also a needle-free device that requires no assembly and is in the form of nasal sprays.
A range of resources on substance misuse (including in several languages) is available on the HSE’s www.Drugs.ie.
The HSE’s Drugs and Alcohol Helpline can also be contacted on its confidential free-phone helpline on 1800 459 459 Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 5:30 pm.
You can e-mail the Drugs and Alcohol Helpline at any time at helpline@hse.ie. You can also leave a voice-mail message to ask for a call back or e-mail requesting a call back too. See https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/
Last updated on: 30 / 08 / 2024
