Every year on 31 August, the world observes International Overdose Awareness Day. First started in 2001 by a small community group in Australia, it has grown into the world's largest campaign on overdose. This year's theme, "25 Years On, Still Needed," is a reminder that overdose remains preventable, yet it continues to affect families everywhere, including in India, where prescription sedatives, opioid painkillers, and alcohol combinations are among the more common causes.

What counts as an overdose

An overdose happens when a person takes more of a substance, or a combination of substances, than the body can safely handle. It is not limited to illegal drugs. Sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication, opioid painkillers, and alcohol can all cause a life-threatening overdose, particularly when combined or taken without medical supervision. Most overdoses are accidental, not intentional, often occurring when tolerance has dropped after a period of not using a substance, or when medications are mixed without realising the risk.

Key Fact: Overdose is preventable in the vast majority of cases. Recognising the early signs and acting quickly makes a real difference to the outcome.

Recognising the warning signs

Breathing and Consciousness

Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing, blue or grey lips and fingertips, and difficulty waking the person are medical emergencies.

Pupils and Alertness

Pinpoint pupils, extreme drowsiness, confusion, or slurred speech can signal an opioid or sedative overdose.

Body Response

Vomiting while unresponsive, seizures, or a limp body with no reaction to touch or voice require immediate emergency care.

What to do in an emergency

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call for emergency medical help right away. While waiting, stay with the person and keep talking to them. If they are unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side to prevent choking. Do not leave them alone, and do not assume they will simply "sleep it off," since breathing can worsen quickly.

You do not need to be certain it is an overdose to call for help. If in doubt, treat it as an emergency. Acting a few minutes sooner can be the difference that saves a life.

Reducing stigma, encouraging conversation

A large part of this day is about talking openly, without judgement, about substance use and its risks. Fear of stigma often stops people from seeking help for themselves or a loved one, or from calling for emergency assistance when it matters most. Whether the substance involved is illicit or a prescribed medication taken incorrectly, compassion and prompt action matter more than blame.

Pro Tip: If you or a family member is on long-term sedatives, sleeping pills, or opioid medication, never adjust the dose or stop suddenly without medical guidance. Both misuse and abrupt withdrawal carry serious risks, and a psychiatrist can help you taper safely.

How psychiatric care helps

Careful, monitored prescribing, regular follow-up, and open conversations about medication use are some of the most effective ways to prevent accidental overdose. If substance use has become difficult to control, structured de-addiction treatment combined with psychotherapy offers a safe path toward recovery.

Related Services

References and Sources

  1. International Overdose Awareness Day. IOAD 2026: 25 Years On, Still Needed. overdoseday.com. https://www.overdoseday.com/
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding Drug Overdoses and Deaths. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/index.html
  3. World Health Organization. Opioid Overdose Fact Sheet. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose

This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please consult a qualified professional or seek emergency care.