Please be aware that the following is sensitive and may cause emotional distress. Additional links and resources for support follow below.

Did I catch your attention? I hope so. I am betting that you have never ever heard anyone say that. No one wakes up and says that. Never. Please don’t worry about me, I am not in a crisis. I didn’t say this today, or ever. Onward.

August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day.

August 31 marks the day my son died, the first time. Three times.

Time is an odd thing. It’s yesterday and a hundred years ago all wrapped up into one moment. One earth-shattering-life-altering-crazy-sad day. In reality, it was six years ago. August 31, 2018, was the day my son was run over by a pick-up truck. He was competely run over, not trapped, but broken. He was resuscitated three times over the course of about three hours, including in the airlift to Royal Columbian in New Westminster, BC. The odds were against him, but he was a survivor and he cheated death. At least, he did that day. He did again a few more times over the course of three years.

It was not until after Jacob died from an accidental fentanyl overdose on November 11, 2021 at the age of 24 that we realized that August 31 was also International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). Oh, the irony of that!

When someone, or some people, are in the middle of this crisis, the obvious becomes somewhat elusive. In fact, throwing in the stigma that comes with mental health, brain injury, and substance use, the obvious doesn’t exist.

How do we honour those we love on the one day of the year that the world frowns upon those who need the love the most? We share about our loved ones, we talk about the issues, and raise awareness. We celebrate the lives lived and lost. We remind the armchair judges that overdose happens daily. We tell people that in BC every four hours we lose a loved one to a toxic drug event. Even one is too many.

Overdose can happen to anyone, anywhere. After one dabble into substance use, or after years of using daily. Substance use does not discrimate by race, gender (arguably), age, social class, occupation, geography, family status, or anything else. Overdose is not picky and choosy.

The night that Jacob was hit he had gone on a bender. He lost his job the day prior and went on a bender with a friend. He had substances in his system. It did not make him an addict. He did not overdose that night. But that night started a journey where he turned to drugs to ease his mental anguish.

Brain injuries are difficult and little has been studied in connection to substance use. We shouldn’t be surprised by the number of substance users with brain injuries. Considered annecdotal, there is evidence that points to a vicious circle existing between brain injury causing a lure to illicit drugs, and illicit drugs causing brain injuries. Until recently the research, and the subsequent care and services available, has not focused in this area. The term “too complex” is the common answer to those seeking support.

Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with learned people who bring attention and knowledge to the subject. A whole new path has been cleared to move forward due to the tenacity and hard work of research and leadership in this area. We are not there yet, but we are making great strides.

Let’s remember that no one wakes up and says that they want to become an addict. And in reality, it is the issue that is (too) complex, not the person. Let’s pause and share compassion. One day of compassion can start a ripple effect. Understanding begets knowing. Let’s start today and carry it over to the next. Let’s care.

Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (no area code) with 24/7 access

Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310 Indigenous support with 24/7 access

Find a Harm Reduction Site: 811 with 24/7 access

Use the LifeGuardConnect free app to stay safe while using substances. Find it on Apple or Google Play