Tag Archives: Addiction

Black Balloon Day – March 6

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March 6 is International Black Balloon Day. Take a few minutes this week to educate yourself about the toxic drug crisis and learn how you can support loved ones who may be struggling with substance use issues.

The event brings awareness to the worldwide toxic drug crisis and highlights deaths from drug overdose and substance-related harm. On this day, people pay tribute to family and friends who have died from drug poisoning and overdose. The event also aims to deflate the stigma of addiction, which is the reason many don’t seek help. Addiction is a brain disease — not a moral failure. People need reassurance that addiction is not their fault.

Black Balloon Day began with one family’s tragic loss. On March 6, 2015, Greg Tremblay, a father of four aged 38, died of an overdose. His mother-in-law, Diane and sister-in-law, Lauren Hurley, initiated the event to remember Greg. It has since become an international event. Learn more.
#BlackBalloonDay

An older woman wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, sits on a beige sofa drinking a glass of red wine and looking depressed.

Substance Use in Older Adults

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Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in older adults is not something most of us are comfortable talking about. But don’t assume your older workers or loved ones are immune. Broaching the subject and having these discussions can save lives. If you suspect someone is struggling with SUD, talk to them — before it’s too late.

The following article discusses the relationship between alcohol use, falls and hip fractures in older adults. It includes suggestions on how to broach the subject of substance use with family members and where to find helpful resources:

Is Alcohol or Old Age the Cause of Your Older Family Member’s Broken Hip?

This article outlines some practical ways you can help prevent people from dying from atoxic drug poisoning:

Opioid Overdose: Four Things We Can Do Today to Stop Senseless Deaths

You can find other articles on substance use, addiction and the toxic drug crisis here.

Openly discussing substance use in older adults with families, co-workers and doctors can save lives.

A map of the world created using coloured pills

People of the World — Wake Up to the Toxic Drug Crisis!

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This poem is a call to action. Toxic drugs are killing our family and friends, and we can no longer look the other way. Where will this human disaster end if we fail to take action now? We must educate ourselves and start uncomfortable conversations with loved ones, friends, co-workers and employees. We need urgent solutions to prevent countless more deaths in our communities and worldwide.

Read the poem on Medium.com

Other related blog posts include:

Benefits of Free Opioid Addiction Treatment

Opioid Overdose: Four Things We Can Do Today to Stop Senseless Deaths

 

Red pills in the shape of a heart

Benefits of Free Opioid Addiction Treatment

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On June 6, 2023, British Columbia, Canada, became the first Canadian province to provide free, universal treatment for opioid addiction. Though some argue against free treatment for substance use, results from other countries overwhelmingly support this approach. Shifting from a criminal to a public health focus by reducing stigma and removing financial barriers to treatments pays off in the long run for individuals and communities.

This article explores the arguments for and against providing free opioid addiction treatment. Read more

Take this FREE online course and receive a complimentary Naloxone kit! First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies