August is Overdose Awareness Month.
An overdose happens when someone takes more of a substance than their body can handle—this could be anything from alcohol to street drugs to prescription medications. It’s not just about illegal drugs; even medications prescribed by a doctor can be dangerous if misused.
What’s one big risk factor? Tolerance. When someone builds up a tolerance to a substance, they need more of that drug or alcohol to feel the same effects. But using more can push the body past its limit—sometimes with deadly consequences.
In just 5 to 7 days, someone can start down the path toward addiction. Here’s a shocking fact: according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 80% of heroin users started with a prescription opioid.
So, what can you do to help prevent overdoses?
- Safely dispose of medications you’re no longer using. Click here for drop-off locations in Summit County.
- Keep prescriptions locked up or out of reach. Half of all misused prescriptions are taken by friends or family.
- Talk to your doctor about non-opioid options for managing pain for yourself and your loved ones. Visit knowyourscript.org for tips and resources on how to be safe and keep your loved ones safe.
Every action counts. Let’s work together to raise awareness and save lives.
The Summit County Health Department Prevention Team is committed to protecting our residents of all ages from painful consequences associated with substance misuse and abuse and other behavioral health problems. Effective Prevention Work requires a data-driven approach to assess levels of risk and protective factors that predict problem behaviors. The team analyzes data from many different sources to determine strategies for our community. The foundation of our services is evidence-based which offers proven ways to promote health and prevent problems. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits, so you can be confident they work. Learn more about our programs here.