International Overdose Awareness Day

I could not let this day pass without commenting on International Overdose Awareness Day. We repeatedly  read in the media and listen to politicians about the cost of this and the cost of that.  When was the last time you heard them speak about the cost of not dealing with the scourge to society called ADDICTION.  If you want to believe it is a disease, or for that matter, just simply mind over matter, fine – but at least deal with the economics.  The United States spends $193 Billion Dollars per year in dealing with the consequences of illicit drug use related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.  If the consequences of  abuse of  tobacco and alcohol is included, cost rises to more than $700 Billion Dollars annually.  Here’s the link: Drug Abuse

So, please ask all your politicians, local and national, what they are doing to curb the financial costs of the disease of addiction.  And then, direct them to the website: overdoseday.com and tell them to read the stories of lives lost and families devastated.

The following is a quote from International Overdose Awareness Day.

RETHINK & REMEMBER

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. 

The theme for 2015 is Rethink and Remember.

I hope with a “novel” approach, Addiction on Trial, will help to change hearts and minds about the scourge of addiction. We can do so much more to curb its devastating consequences and save lives and dollars.

Written By Steven Kassels, M.D.

International Overdose Awareness Day was originally published @ Addiction on Trial and has been syndicated with permission.

Photo by Kazarelth