#IOAD2025 : Redefining family and connection in communities
- NHS Addictions Provider Alliance
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
International Overdose Awareness Day takes place every year on 31 August. The day aims to bring the world together to stop drug-related overdose, as well as tackling the stigma that stops people from gaining much-needed interventions.
This year, the theme of #IOAD2025 is ‘One big family, driven by hope’. It plays on the natural instinct a lot of us have to protect close family members, and acknowledges the greater community impact that losing a family member to overdose can have.
International Overdose Awareness Day this year is inviting people to reach out and form deep connections with the same level of care, empathy and responsibility as you would a family member. In this way, we can see the world as "one big family" and come together to change the stigma surrounding overdose, grief and overdose prevention.
What can you do to support International Overdose Awareness Day?
Follow International Overdose Awareness Day on X (@OverdoseDay), Facebook (International Overdose Awareness Day) and Instagram (@overdoseawarenessday). Post on your own channels about International Overdose Awareness Day using the hashtags #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose #DrivenByHope #OneBigFamily
There are several active ways to get involved this International Overdose Awareness Day, from organising an event to reading further resources. More information can be found on the Overdose Day website here.
If you’ve lost a friend or relative to an overdose, you can post a tribute on the Overdose Day website.
We are all likely to know someone who has felt stigmatised. That could be because of their own addiction, or the addiction of someone close to them. See our Stigma Kills Campaign to find out more. If you'd like to join the conversation about breaking down stigma, please use the hashtag #SeeThePersonHearTheirStory online.
Our Stigma Kills website also features advice on how individuals can contribute to ending the stigma against addiction, including guidance on language, case stories, and downloadable resources to show your support.
Read and share our guide on what to do if someone overdoses.
This year’s NHS APA annual conference has a particular focus on stigma with its theme "Breaking Barriers: How stigma undermines support and connection- and what we can do about it". This is a free event taking place online on 27 November 2025. Read more and get your free tickets here.
