In our society, substance use problems are something most people don’t talk about if they are experiencing it. People feel shame and judgement as there is still stigmatization around people with substance use problems. As a result, people will try to hide their problems from family or disassociate from family altogether. People will hide their problems at work. People will also not want to talk to their doctor.
Unfortunately, this leads many people to experience an overdose. Today, because of toxic street drugs, there is a higher chance of death.
As I posted earlier, my dad experienced substance use problems which resulted in overdoses. Because he had a support system of family and friends, he eventually got help from a doctor who worked with him on a methadone treatment plan. Because of that, he survived. Many people do not because they do not have those support systems.
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| A picture of my dad, mom, and me which was taken in 2019. |
Langley Community Overdose Response is holding an Overdose Awareness Day free to attend event as follows:
Tuesday, August 31st at 6:00 pm
Derek Doubleday Arboretum and Doulgas Park
The event schedule is:
6 pm - Opening and Elder’s Blessing at Derek Doubleday Arboretum
6:15 pm - Walk from Derek Doubleday to Douglas Park (with First Responders
escort)
6:30 pm - BBQ (community agencies available / naloxone training available
& static displays)
7:15 pm - Speakers (Mayor Val Van den Broek, John Aldag and Mom’s Stop The
Harm member Lisa Weih)
8:00 pm - Candlelight vigil (Indigenous drumming & moment of silence)
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdoses. It is a chance to remember without stigma or judgment those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
Please visit Fraser Health’s Family and Friends Support Group page for more information on how you can help a friend or family member with substance use problems.
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