Sunrise Detox Center Leading the Way on How to Recognize and Prevent Overdoses
August 12, 2024
PR NEWSWIRE- BRENTWOOD, NY- August 12, 2024 – The last day of August traditionally marks the largest annual campaign to combat overdose-related issues. International Overdose Awareness Day 2024, on Saturday, August 31st, is poised to commemorate those who have lost their lives to this ongoing epidemic.
International Overdose Awareness Day also acknowledges the pain of families and friends left behind, rallying communities worldwide to discuss evidence-based overdose prevention without stigma.
Praesum Healthcare, a network of mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities in six states, today joins the commemoration by kicking off events and showcasing New York services designed to support everyone in recovery and highlight its effective approach to treatment.
Sunrise Detox (SDC) has been addressing the urgency of the overdose crisis for over twenty years nationally, and its New York center will host an event on Overdose Awareness Day 2024.
Event Details:
On Saturday, August 31st, SDC in Brentwood on Long Island, NY, will host a Celebration of Life with inspiring speakers sharing stories and commemorating those we’ve lost to this virulent epidemic.
The company has a rich history of offering a safe and welcoming space for individuals to open up about their recovery journeys. Sunrise Detox has long delivered support and encouragement to others, fostering a true sense of belonging.
Join Us for a Celebration of Life!
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Sunrise Detox Center, 141 8th Street, Brentwood, Long Island
Event Contact: Ryan Fidotta, 631-461-5288, rfidotta@praesumhealthcare.com
RSVP at: https://shorturl.at/er9oB
Please join us on this special day to celebrate life, foster hope, and advocate for change in the fight against overdose. Your presence makes a difference. We believe that by shedding light on recovery stories with successful sober outcomes, we can collectively reduce stigma, promote recovery awareness, and empower individuals to take charge of their own well-being.
Event Highlights:
Inspiring Speakers: Hear top advocates and addiction professionals from substance use disorder treatment centers like Sunrise share insights and stories of successful recovery outcomes.
All American Backyard BBQ: Savor a delectable BBQ spread with grilled favorites.
Music & Fun Activities: Enjoy live music, lawn games, and a supportive welcome.
Memorial Tribute: Remember those we’ve lost. Please feel free to bring a photo of a loved one. The Memorial Tribute wall at the Brentwood facility will honor those lost to overdose with a moment of silence and a tribute wall to endorse our remembrance of every soul we’ve lost to this staggering overdose epidemic.
Family-Friendly Environment: Bring your loved ones for an afternoon of remembrance and community spirit.
The Grim Reality on Awareness Day 2024
In the United States, the overdose crisis has reached alarming proportions. International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder that the overdose crisis is a critical public health issue that requires collective action, compassion, and evidence-based approaches to save lives and support individuals on their recovery journey.
SDC is committed to understanding overdose, its symptoms, and how to recognize them, which is essential in preventing further harm and saving lives. By understanding the signs of overdose, preventing dangerous practices, and advocating for appropriate prevention strategies, we can contribute to a world liberated from the tragic impact of overdose.
In the US and around the world, the overdose epidemic remains a critical concern for all. The latest data on overdoses and substance use disorders in New York shows a consistent year-by-year increase in opioid overdoses, and from our perspective at SDC, preventable fatalities.
As International Overdose Awareness Day is commemorated around the world, we stand united to confront the ravages of overdose and work every day to address its continuing toll on our young people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have been on a steady rise, with a particularly sharp increase in recent years, delivering some horrifying recent American overdose statistics:
1. Total Drug Overdose Deaths: In the 12-month period leading up to March 2021, there were approximately 97,900 drug overdose deaths in the United States.
2. Opioid Overdose Deaths: Opioids continue to be one of the major factors in the overdose epidemic. Opioid overdose deaths accounted for more than 69,000 deaths in the 12-month period leading up to March 2021. This includes both prescription opioids and illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
3. Synthetic Opioids: Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have significantly increased the overdose death toll. In recent years, deaths involving synthetic opioids have surged, contributing to the overall increase in overdose fatalities.
4. Stimulant Overdose Deaths: Overdose deaths involving stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, have also risen alarmingly. Many individuals who use stimulants may not be aware of the potential dangers of overdose associated with these substances.
Understanding Overdose
An overdose occurs when someone consumes an excessive amount of a substance or a combination of substances, pushing their body into a critical state. A real overdose tends to occur when a person ingests more substances than their body can handle, leading to a shutdown of critical bodily functions.
Overdoses can range from unintentional, such as in instances when a child accidentally ingests a parent’s medication, to intentional, in instances where an individual consciously takes excessive amounts of a substance.
Recognizing Overdose Symptoms
Overdose symptoms can vary significantly based on the substance used. Common symptoms include irregular heartbeats, paleness, lack of responsiveness, and vomiting. Being aware of these signs of overdose can help in early detection and timely response.
Causes of Overdoses
· Taking Excessive Amounts of a Drug
· Mixing Substances
· Using Lethal Injection Methods
· Substance Intake Forms
· Drug Impact on Pre-existing Health Conditions
· Lack of Knowledge about the Drug
Factors that may Influence Overdose Levels
· Type of Substance
· Amount Used
· Mixing Substances
· Body Size/Weight
· Age
· Substance Use Disorder History
· Existing Health Conditions
Response to Overdose
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, seek medical assistance immediately. Overdoses are medical emergencies and can be life-threatening. The consumption of substances beyond recommended limits or the body’s tolerance threshold can result in the failure of vital body systems.
Factors like substance type, quantity, method of intake, and individual characteristics always influence overdose occurrences. Recognizing high-risk symptoms and seeking prompt medical help is vital. The symptoms of an overdose differ based on the type of drug involved.
Depressants and Opioids: Depressants, substances that slow down vital body functions such as heart rate and breathing, can trigger overdose. Among those drugs with such damaging effects are barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Opioids slow the central nervous system to induce a calming effect and are particularly dangerous. Drugs like fentanyl and heroin, when taken excessively or in combination, can cause a suppression of normal functions, ultimately leading to respiratory and heart failure.
Stimulants: Stimulant overdose, associated with drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines, heightens the risk of heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and drug-induced psychotic episodes.
Resources for Help: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding
Effective interventions include increasing access to treatment for substance use disorders. All such factors underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and address drug overdoses, and Sunrise Detox is spearheading efforts to promote public awareness and education about the risks of overdose.
This Awareness Day also kicks off National Recovery Month, which spans the entire month of September. It was created in 1989 by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to decrease stigma and increase awareness around those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders in American communities.
National Recovery Month is a time to promote and support new evidence-based substance abuse treatment such as SDC and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members such as those at Sunrise Detox in Brentwood who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Promoting awareness from Overdose Awareness Day into the Recovery Month ahead is crucial, as overdose constitutes one of the most challenging public health crises across the globe, driving action and dialogue on overdose prevention and effective drug policies.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with substance abuse, resources are available:
· Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
· Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.): Support for individuals with alcohol problems
· Al-Anon: Support for family members of those with drinking issues
· Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Support for struggling addicts
About Praesum Healthcare
Praesum Healthcare started in 2004 with one Sunrise Detox center and has grown to include over thirty centers across six states, having served over 200,000 patients during its care. With a proven track record of success in the mental health and substance recovery industry, Praesum has been accredited by the Joint Commission and holds licenses and certifications in New York and other states.
About Sunrise Detox Center
Sunrise Detox Center offers medically supervised programs to help people with mental health and substance use disorders start their recovery. Ten locations are available across New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, New York, and Massachusetts to provide safe and comfortable medical detox for alcohol, opiates, and most prescription drugs.
Recovery won’t happen overnight, but with a strong support system, a positive outlook, and a willingness to explore new possibilities, people with mental health or substance use disorders can lead deeply fulfilling lives in recovery. For immediate help with alcohol or drug addiction, please call our 24/7 hotline at 833-248-6271.
Author
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.
