Updated September 12, 2023 What does overdose mean, exactly? Learn possible outcomes from drug overdose, including heart attack, and find out if you can die from overdosing. What does an overdose mean, and can you die from overdosing? An overdose isn't always fatal, but even nonlethal overdoses can lead to ... Read More
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How to Be an Overdose Awareness Advocate
Drug-related deaths are on the rise in the United States and have become a significant threat to public health in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 107,000 people died from overdose in 2021. This number includes accidental deaths as well as suicidal overdose deaths, and ... Read More
No More Shame: Kara W.
Kara W. had her first drink at the age of 14. It was the summer of 2006: My mom had gone out of town, and my dad was home but not very present. We took his beer, my brother and my friends, and I got drunk for the first time. The second time that she got drunk, Kara drank to the point of blacking out and falling in a ... Read More
Fentanyl: The Story of America’s Deadliest Drug
As America's drug problem continues to evolve, more people are dying as a result of overdoses on one of a variety of opioids, both illicit and legally prescribed. The issue is that these drugs are as easy to access as they've ever been, and more dangerous varieties are also hitting unregulated markets by way of a ... Read More
Janis Joplin’s Struggle With Addiction
Janis Joplin and drugs have long been associated with each other. Learn about her epic rise to fame and tragic downfall due to substance abuse. She may have only had 27 years, but there's no doubt rock star Janis Joplin's legacy will live on forever. Unfortunately, Joplin lost her life to a heroin overdose in 1970 ... Read More
Suspect an Overdose? What to Do
In the event of an overdose, it's necessary to act quickly in an overdose response. Witnessing someone in a life-threatening situation can be scary, but knowing what to do can help to prevent a tragedy. Assess the Situation An overdose is a medical emergency, and while prompt action is necessary, it's crucial to stay ... Read More
Which States Have the Highest Rates of Overdose?
The opioid crisis is a national emergency that leads to tens of thousands of deaths each year. Despite increased efforts to limit access to both prescription and illicit opioids, the death toll has continued to climb. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2020, the United States saw nearly ... Read More
Effects of Overdosing: How Long Does an Overdose Last?
If you or a loved one is abusing substances, the concern of an overdose happening is constant. An overdose can be accidental or intentional. Individuals can overdose on various substances, including illicit drugs, prescription medications, alcohol and more. While the risk of an overdose can be constant, it carries many ... Read More