Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. This year’s theme “25 Years On. Still Needed” reminds us that overdose affects people from every walk of life and that overdose prevention remains an urgent need. 

Provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show an estimated 69,147 US overdose deaths for the 12-month period ending January 2026, a 13.2% decline from the prior year and roughly 10,000 fewer deaths, or about 190 individuals dying from overdose daily. 

What is an Overdose? 

An overdose can happen when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances if they are abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication. 

What Are the Signs of Overdose? 

The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include: 

  • Dilated pupils, Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Chest pain 
  • Seizures, Convulsions or tremors, blue lips or fingers, abnormally high body temperature 
  • Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath 
  • Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked 
  • Violent or aggressive behavior, Paranoia, Agitation 
  • Disorientation or confusion, Unresponsiveness, Unconsciousness 
  • Death 

We know that overdose is preventable. Proven strategies — including naloxone, timely access to care, medications for opioid use disorder, education, and recovery support — can save lives. 

Behavioral Crossroads is a leading addiction treatment serving NJ since 2004. We provide outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric services, medication management, and structured outpatient programming. 

 What are we doing this IOAD? 

  • Honoring the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose 
  • Showing support to people in recovery 
  • Continuing to raise awareness about the risks of overdose 
  • Sharing information on available prevention, treatment, and recovery support services 
  • Promoting evidence-based practices and strategies that can prevent overdose 

Call us at (855) 679-5138 or visit our Egg Harbor Township campus to learn more about our treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction.