Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. This year’s theme “25 Years On. Still Needed” reminds us that overdose affects people from every walk of life and that overdose prevention remains an urgent need.

Provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show an estimated 69,147 US overdose deaths for the 12-month period ending January 2026, a 13.2% decline from the prior year and roughly 10,000 fewer deaths, or about 190 individuals dying from overdose daily.

What is an Overdose?

An overdose can happen when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances if they are abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication.

What Are the Signs of Overdose?

The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include:

Dilated pupils, Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Chest pain

Seizures, Convulsions or tremors, blue lips or fingers, abnormally high body temperature

Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath

Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked

Violent or aggressive behavior, Paranoia, Agitation

Disorientation or confusion, Unresponsiveness, Unconsciousness

Death

We know that overdose is preventable. Proven strategies — including naloxone, timely access to care, medications for opioid use disorder, education, and recovery support — can save lives.

Overcome Wellness & Recovery is New Jersey’s premier outpatient addiction treatment center. Our Master’s-level clinicians treat substance use and the mental health and trauma beneath it. Our approach is to treat the person, not just the symptom for lasting recovery. We assess the whole person, then build a plan around your goals.

What are we doing this IOAD?

Honoring the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose

Showing support to people in recovery

Continuing to raise awareness about the risks of overdose

Sharing information on available prevention, treatment, and recovery support services

Promoting evidence-based practices and strategies that can prevent overdose

Call us 732-505-7261 or visit our Lakewood center to learn more about our treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction delivered through PHP, IOP and standard outpatient care. We serve Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Lakehurst and Manchester Township in Ocean County, and Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Howell, Wall and Manasquan in Monmouth County.