Overdose Awareness Week 2022
I’d like to write a different type of message for Overdose Awareness Week this year.
Yes - this week is about raising awareness about accidental overdoses, which are currently still rising and at over 109,000 year-over-year. It’s critical that the public is aware that this crisis is not going away on its own, and that it is currently being driven by fentanyl, which is being found in higher and higher percentages of street drugs – not just opioids, but other classes of drugs as well.
These messages are important, and central to our mission this week. But there’s another message that’s not being said nearly enough:
“Thank you”
There are so, so many people working tremendously hard to prevent and reduce addiction and overdose in this country, and Overdose Awareness Week can feel like an annual reminder that our work is never, ever over, and that we haven't been able to turn the tide on this tragedy yet.
Thank you to those working in addiction treatment, helping people who are working towards recovery every single day.
Thank you to those working in youth substance use prevention, ensuring the adults of the future don’t have to fight the same battles we do today.
Thank you to those in academic and scientific pursuits, who arm us with the knowledge we need to help others.
Thank you to the professional organizations that marshal our troops, keep us organized, and give us a voice.
Thank you to those working for sensible drug policy reform, and to push back on the opportunistic addiction-for-profit industries that are rising up in the United States.
Thank you to those working in harm reduction, helping keep people alive and safe from infectious disease so they can reclaim their life when they are ready for change.
Thank you to those in government who continue to support treatment providers and prevention efforts.
Thank you to the parents, family members, and friends who speak up with concerns to save the life of someone they love.
Thank you to those currently in recovery who give back to the community, and help others find their own path forward to safety and stability.
There are so many more people I could name, all who are striving towards a common goal of reducing overdose in the United States, and all of whom are thinking this week about how far we still have to go before we can see the light at the end of the tunnel in this terrible crisis.
I see you. We all need you and appreciate you. Please don’t stop.
- Aaron Weiner