International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 31 August 2024 – Importance, Theme & History

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global healthcare event held on August 31st every year to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, and recognise the grief experienced by friends and family of those who have died or been permanently injured because of a drug overdose.



On this day, various local, national, and international organisations conduct several events to recognise and promote IOAD, including an awareness walk, tabling events, an Orlando VA staff session for sharing overdose stories, and national training opportunities.

Importance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

Drug  overdose is an increasing public health issue. Overdose and related deaths among injectable drug users who use opioids require immediate intervention: overdose prevention and national training possibilities.



An overdose occurs when a person consumes drugs in quantities that their body cannot manage. As a result, the brain is unable to perform regular bodily tasks, and the person may pass out, cease breathing, and, in severe circumstances, experience heart failure or convulsions. Overdose can be lethal and is one of the leading causes of death among opiate users. However, opioid overdose can be prevented and treated using Naloxone. Naloxone revives the person, allows them to breathe, and is only effective when combined with opioids. It is widely used in emergency medical services and has no room for abuse.

Drug Overdose Deaths in India

In India's  northeastern state of Mizoram, the number of drug overdose incidents has been increasing since November 2012. According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, 328 overdose incidents and 13 deaths were reported in Mizoram between November 2012 and July 2013. It provides emergency medical services and has no room for abuse.

Worldwide , about 29.6 crore people (or 5.8% of the world population aged 15–64 years) used drugs at least once in 2021. Among them, about 6 crore people used opioids. About 3.95 crore people lived with drug use disorders in 2021(2). Most people with opioid addiction utilise illegally developed and manufactured heroin, although the proportion of prescription opioid users is increasing. 

Worldwide , about 6,00,000 deaths were attributable to drug use in 2019. Nearly 80% of the deaths are related to opioids, with almost 25% of those deaths caused by opioid overdose. According to WHO estimates, approximately 125,000 people died of opioid overdose in 2019. Opioid overdoses that do not result in death are far more prevalent than fatal overdoses.

Overdose remains a significant public health crisis affecting millions of individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 500,000 people die from drug overdose each year. This statistic underscores the gravity of the situation and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis. The global nature of the overdose epidemic means that no country is immune, and its impact is felt in diverse communities across different regions.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Theme 2024

This year, 2024, the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) theme is “Together We Can”. This theme emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in combating overdose. It highlights the importance of standing together to support those affected by overdose, including people who use drugs, heartbroken friends and family members, activists, healthcare and harm reduction workers, and tireless advocates.

History of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since 2001, many community members, as well as government and non-government organisations, have conducted activities to promote awareness and remember individuals who have died because of drug overdose. Each year, there are more than 1,000 events held around the world to support bringing an end to overdose.



Since 2012, International Overdose Awareness Day has been convened by the not-for-profit Australian public health organisation Penington Institute.

Prevention of opioid overdose

Opioid overdose can be prevented using appropriate methods. These include the following:

• Increasing the accessibility of opioid dependence treatment, including individuals who rely on prescription opioids.
• Reducing and preventing irrational or inappropriate opioid prescribing.
• Monitoring opioid prescribing and dispensing.
• Limiting inappropriate over-the-counter sales of opioids.

Know more about world health awareness days