“Every five minutes, someone in the United States loses their life to a drug overdose.”
Every year on August 31, communities around the world pause to honor the lives lost to overdose—and to celebrate the lives saved. International Overdose Awareness Day carries both grief and hope, side by side. You might be here because someone you love didn’t make it home, or because you yourself survived when it could have gone differently.
In this guide, you’ll learn what happens during an overdose, how to recognize the signs, and what steps you can take to respond. You’ll also discover what recovery can look like after such a life-threatening event.
Whatever brought you here, know this: You are not alone. Many people are walking this same difficult path, and support is available.
What should you do if you witness an overdose?
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if it’s available, and stay with the person until help arrives. Do not leave them alone. Quick action can save a life.
What Is Overdose Awareness Day and Why It Matters
Overdose Awareness Day began in 2001 at The Salvation Army needle exchange in Melbourne, Australia, when people who’d lost too much decided they had to speak up. Now, every August 31, purple ribbons appear around the globe under the 2025 theme: ‘One big family, driven by hope.’²
Here’s one reason to stay involved: U.S. statistics say the country saw nearly a 27% drop in overdose deaths in 2024—an estimated 80,391 lives lost versus 110,037 in 2023.³ That’s tens of thousands of families who didn’t get that devastating phone call. But Arizona still loses more than five people every day to opioid overdoses, with fentanyl making the drug supply more dangerous than ever.
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What Happens During an Overdose?
An overdose happens when a substance overwhelms the body. Whether it’s opioids like fentanyl or heroin, stimulants like meth or cocaine, alcohol, prescription pills, or mixing drugs, the result is the same—the body can’t keep up.4
The scary part? It can shut down breathing, slow the heart to dangerous levels, or cause someone to lose consciousness. With fentanyl showing up in so many different drugs now, an overdose can happen to anyone who uses drugs, even people who think they know exactly what they’re taking.
7 Overdose Signs Explained by a Cornerstone Therapist
Recognizing the signs of an overdose can mean the difference between life and death. The signs can appear quickly, and every second counts!
In this short video, Cornerstone Healing Center’s therapist, Frank Hernandez, explains 7 of the most important warning signs to watch for—so you’ll know exactly when it’s time to act.
Physical Warning Signs
The signs below mean someone needs help immediately:5
- Breathing that’s too slow, shallow, or stops
- Blue or gray lips, fingers, or face
- Skin is cold and clammy
- Strange choking or gurgling sounds, or vomiting
- You can’t wake them up no matter what you try
- Extreme confusion, more than usual
- Sudden collapse or seizures
What to Do if You Witness an Overdose
- Call 911—don’t wait to see if things change
- Give Naloxone (Narcan) if you have it and suspect an opioid overdose
- Turn them on their side (recovery position) so they won’t choke
- Do not leave the person alone—stay by their side and wait for EMS
What is the "Good Samaritan Law"?
Arizona’s Good Samaritan law (A.R.S. § 13-3423) protects you and the person overdosing from certain possession charges when you call for help.6 Don’t let fear stop you from saving a life.
Can You Survive an Overdose?
Yes! People survive overdoses all the time, and many go on to build full, stable lives in recovery. Getting help fast matters, but what comes next often shapes long-term outcomes.
What helps people survive and thrive:
- Getting treatment soon after the overdose
- Having family, friends, or people in recovery who care
- Getting care for your mind—things like low mood, panic, grief, or old trauma
- Picking up go-to skills you reach for when cravings or tense moments hit
- Changing where they live or their everyday routines when possible
An overdose often marks a turning point. If you survived one, there’s a reason you’re still here. Your story doesn’t end with that experience. Recovery is Possible!
How Treatment at Cornerstone Can Help After an Overdose
After an overdose, it’s common to feel relief, fear, guilt, and uncertainty all at once. These reactions are normal—but without treatment, the risk of another overdose remains high. Professional care offers stability, healing, and a pathway forward.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we provide comprehensive treatment tailored to each stage of recovery:
- Medical Detox Support: While we don’t provide detox on-site, we partner with trusted facilities to help clients safely stabilize before entering treatment.
- Residential Treatment: Around-the-clock care in a structured, supportive setting where clients can focus fully on recovery through therapy, groups, and medical support.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Daily therapeutic programming that bridges intensive care and independence.
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP) & Outpatient: Flexible programs that support ongoing healing while clients return to work, school, or family life.
- Virtual IOP Across Arizona: Online group and individual therapy, making recovery accessible from home.
Treatment also addresses underlying mental health concerns—such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief—that often accompany substance use. With evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and compassionate support, Cornerstone helps clients build resilience and find lasting recovery.
Arizona’s Response to the Overdose Crisis
Arizona has been deeply impacted by fentanyl, but communities are taking action. Cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale host awareness events, naloxone trainings, and connect residents to treatment options—including programs at Cornerstone. The state also shares overdose data publicly, helping identify areas where support is most needed.
Across Arizona, organizations provide education on overdose recognition and response. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies without a prescription, and local groups, employers, and schools frequently hold trainings and awareness events to save lives and reduce stigma.
Remember—no matter how many times you’ve struggled, you are never too far gone. Recovery is always possible, and help is here when you’re ready to take that step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Overdose Awareness Day?
International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on August 31, is a global event that honors those lost to overdose, supports families in grief, and raises awareness about prevention. It also promotes education on life-saving tools like naloxone and encourages compassion for people struggling with substance use.
When did Overdose Awareness Day begin, and why on August 31?
Overdose Awareness Day began in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia, founded by Sally Finn. The date—August 31—was chosen to symbolize remembrance and hope for families worldwide, offering a moment to reflect on loss while strengthening global efforts to reduce stigma and prevent future overdoses.
What is the theme of Overdose Awareness Day in 2025?
The official theme for 2025 is “One Big Family: Driven by Hope.” It highlights the importance of unity, compassion, and collective action in fighting the overdose crisis. The message reminds communities that recovery is possible and that no one should face addiction or grief in isolation.
How can people in Arizona participate in Overdose Awareness Day?
Arizona residents can attend awareness events in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and other cities, join community naloxone trainings, wear purple to show support, or share educational resources online. Many organizations and treatment centers also host remembrance ceremonies, making participation a meaningful way to spread hope and save lives.
Why is Overdose Awareness Day important for Arizona?
Arizona continues to face high overdose rates, especially from fentanyl. Awareness events help reduce stigma, encourage prevention strategies, and connect people to treatment resources. By promoting naloxone training, data transparency, and community education, Overdose Awareness Day supports statewide efforts to protect lives and strengthen recovery networks.
If I need help for addiction or know someone who does, what should I do?
Reach out for support right away. Cornerstone Healing Center in Arizona offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment, including Residential, PHP, IOP, and Virtual IOP programs. Even if detox is needed first, Cornerstone partners with trusted facilities to ensure safety and a seamless transition into long-term recovery care.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) honors lives lost, supports survivors, and promotes prevention.
- Overdoses occur when substances overwhelm the body, risking breathing or heart failure.
- Warning signs include slowed or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingers, unresponsiveness, and gurgling.
- Immediate action saves lives—call 911, give naloxone, and stay until EMS arrives.
- Recovery is possible—many thrive after overdose with steady care and support.
- Treatment matters— Residential, PHP, IOP, and virtual programs save (and change!) lives.
- Arizona resources include naloxone access, community trainings, and treatment programs like Cornerstone Healing Center.
- The first year post-overdose carries higher risk, making professional treatment and relapse prevention crucial.
Your Next Step: Choose Recovery. Choose Cornerstone.
If you’ve survived an overdose, worry about another one, or feel exhausted from addiction, Cornerstone Healing Center can help. Addiction is a medical condition—not a moral failure—and treatment provides the tools to heal.
At Cornerstone, we offer a full continuum of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient programs, and Virtual IOP options across Arizona. Supportive Housing offers a stable living environment during treatment. Our aftercare services ensure ongoing support, relapse prevention, and community connection long after treatment ends.
You are not too far gone. Recovery is always possible—with the right help, you can find safety, stability, and lasting healing. Contact us today to take the first step.