Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those who have lost their lives to overdose and recognise the families, friends, and communities who continue to live with its impact. We also acknowledge the professionals, organisations, and others who provide care, treatment, and support to people with substance use disorders and their families.

This year’s theme, 25 Years On. Still Needed., reminds us that, 25 years after the first International Overdose Awareness Day, continued action remains crucial. It also highlights the importance of listening to those affected, learning from their experiences, and sustaining efforts to prevent overdose.

Many Overdose deaths can be prevented, and doing so requires action at different stages. This includes investing in evidence-based prevention, strengthening early identification and support, and ensuring access to practical overdose prevention measures, including life-saving medications such as naloxone. These interventions can save lives in moments of immediate risk, but they must be part of a broader continuum of care that connects people to appropriate treatment, recovery, and long term support.

Access to treatment, however, remains far from sufficient. The UNODC World Drug Report 2026 reports that treatment coverage for substance use disorders remains low globally, with new estimates indicating that, at minimum, 8.2 per cent of people with substance use disorders receive treatment. The treatment gap is also experienced unequally, with significant differences across regions and between genders. The availability, accessibility, and appropriateness of services can vary considerably, leaving many people without the support they need. Closing these gaps require investment in accessible, evidence-based, and quality treatment services, alongside reintegration and long-term recovery support.

Treatment and support must also respond to the realities of the people seeking them. Many people with substance use disorders have experienced trauma, and services should be trauma-informed, person-centred, and grounded in dignity and respect. People should be able to seek treatment and support without fear of judgement or discrimination. Overdose can also be deeply traumatic for individuals, families, friends, or others who witness it or experience its consequences. Ensuring that those affected can access appropriate emotional and psychosocial support, while creating supportive environments that encourage people to seek help and sustain recovery, is an important part of a comprehensive response.

Families and communities also play an important role in prevention, treatment, and recovery. They can help recognise concerns, encourage people to seek appropriate support and provide valuable support during treatment, recovery and reintegration. At the same time, they need access to information and support that enables them to understand substance use disorders, respond appropriately and support their loved ones without stigma or judgement.

At WFAD, we believe that preventing overdose requires looking beyond the moment of crisis. It means strengthening protective factors and supportive environments that can help prevent substance use disorders, responding early when concerns arise, providing life-saving overdose prevention measures when risks are immediate, and ensuring access to evidence-based treatment and trauma-informed support. It also means recognising that recovery does not end when treatment ends: people need opportunities, relationships, and supportive environments that enable long-term recovery and meaningful reintegration.

Twenty-five years on, this day is still needed. Through continued collective action, we can work towards a future where fewer lives are lost to overdose, where people can access the support they need without stigma or discrimination, and where more people have the opportunity to sustain recovery, reconnect with their communities, and thrive.