Empowering communities through overdose awareness

---

Every life lost to overdose is a story unfinished, a voice silenced too soon—a tragedy made even more poignant by the fact that, with the right support and awareness, most overdoses are preventable. This crisis continues to devastate families across the globe, including right here in Sydney and within our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. With International Overdose Awareness Day and our own event for the cause just around the corner, we’re shining a light on the realities of overdose, the associated health risks and the steps we can all take to prevent such tragedies.

At Marrin Weejali, we want to see a drastic reduction in drug and alcohol abuse, along with overdose statistics—globally, nationally and here in Western Sydney. We’re starting by doing our part, offering education, resources and care to those with shattered spirits and their troubled loved ones right in our community. Here’s what you need to know about overdose.

An overdose occurs when a person consumes a substance, or a combination of substances, beyond what their body can safely tolerate. Combining multiple drugs significantly raises the risk of overdose. Overdoses can lead to severe physical reactions, including respiratory failure, coma and death. Even when a person survives, they may experience irreversible brain damage and damage to other organs.

Overdoses are not limited to illicit drugs. When misused, prescription medication can be just as dangerous. In 2021, New South Wales recorded 507 drug-induced deaths—a number that is far too high and affects too many families.

In 2021, First Nations peoples were over three times more likely to die from an unintentional overdose compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Additionally, individuals in rural areas, those from low-income backgrounds and men face higher overdose risks. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention efforts and enhanced community support.

Prevention begins with awareness. Recognising the signs of an overdose in a loved one, such as confusion, difficulty breathing and unresponsiveness, can be life-saving. Overdoses may present differently depending on the substance or substances involved. For example, opioid overdoses often lead to slow, shallow breathing and a lack of responsiveness, while stimulant overdoses might cause agitation, seizures and high body temperature.

If you suspect an overdose, it’s important to look for additional signs such as bluish or pale skin, particularly around the lips or fingertips and a weak or irregular pulse. Changes in consciousness, such as an inability to wake the person or persistent drowsiness, also warrant immediate attention. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help, as prompt intervention is critical for survival.

Communities can play a pivotal role in overdose prevention by fostering environments where individuals feel safe seeking help. Encouraging open discussions about drug use and providing access to resources like naloxone, an emergency treatment for opioid overdoses, can help save lives.

Acting quickly can save a life:

• Call an ambulance (000) — police are only involved if necessary.
• Administer naloxone if available (reverses opioid overdose).
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Follow emergency services’ instructions.
• Check if anyone nearby knows CPR if breathing stops.
• Ensure the person has enough air by keeping crowds back and opening windows.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Place the person in the recovery position: on their side with their head tilted back.
• Provide ambulance officers with details about the drug, dosage, timing and any other relevant
• information, including any drug packaging.

Overdose prevention is never an individual effort – it takes a village. Family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues and community members all have a role to play in supporting those at risk. If you suspect that someone is struggling with substance use, approach the situation with empathy and without judgment. This creates an environment where the individual feels supported rather than stigmatised, increasing the likelihood that they will seek help.

At Marrin Weejali, we provide drug and alcohol misuse programs in a culturally sensitive setting, offering the support individuals need. Our services include counselling, group therapy, and help with accessing detox and rehabilitation services. Engaging early with these resources can break the cycle of addiction and prevent tragic, unnecessary losses.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the impact of overdose is intensified by social and historical factors like dispossession, cultural loss and intergenerational trauma. Marrin Weejali is run by our people for our people, and we are dedicated to addressing this crisis with an inclusive approach that respects traditional practices in collaboration with community elders.

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against overdose. By raising awareness about the risks associated with drug use and the signs of trouble, communities are better equipped to prevent such incidents.

Workshops, training sessions and events like our upcoming Annual Overdose Awareness event empower people with knowledge and insights for recognising and responding to overdoses. Additionally, education on the safe use of prescription medication and the dangers of polydrug use helps individuals avoid mixing medications without professional guidance.

Educating people about the long-term effects of drug misuse is essential. Chronic use of drugs, including prescription medications, can lead to significant health problems like heart disease, liver damage and mental health disorders. Awareness of these risks can help deter harmful behaviours and motivate individuals to seek help before it’s too late.

If you want to help raise awareness and prevent avoidable deaths and long-term health consequences, start by educating yourself and advocating for awareness about the signs and risks. Join us in reducing the stigma.

If you or someone you love is at risk, don’t wait for a crisis. Reach out for help now. There are resources available that offer confidential support and guidance, no one ever has to navigate the challenges of addiction alone.

Our programs and services provide holistic, culturally safe support for individuals and families on their journey to healing and recovery. They are open to both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous people in Western Sydney.

You are welcome at Marrin Weejali.

Contact us for a confidential discussion.