Overdose Awareness by SUDS Clondalkin

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day 2020, members of SUDS Clondalkin wrote a news article for our site to discuss local initatives. 

SUDS Service Users Developing Solidarity is an Advocacy Group for people who use drugs or have a history of drug use. 

SUDS meet weekly in Clondalkin, but due to Covid -19 are having virtual meeting on Zoom.  The members work on issues that people face in their very day lives and promote a Harm reduction approach to our work. The Group also participants in campaign to overcome stigma of people who use drug or have a history of drug use.  

Last year SUDS (Service Users Developing Solidarity), participated in First Aid training and how to administer Naloxone. This training was provided by Denis O Driscoll and Dr C O’Sulleabháin.
Fifteen people completed the training as part of awareness rising on how to prevent overdose. They were prescribed with Naloxone on the night; this was first time this happened in a community project in conjunction with the HSE and Clondalkin Drug Task Force.

This year SUDS have continued their Campaign to be involved with International Overdose Awareness Day.

A Podcast  S.U.D.S (Service Users Developing Solidarity) #1 Discussing Overdose with Denis O Driscoll.)

Starting with Denis O’Driscoll and SUDS making a podcast, the theme of discussion will be in line with International Overdose Awareness Day. This aims to raise awareness of overdosing, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Check out their trailer here!

Illuminating the building in purple

We also have worked with the local drug services to colour their buildings purple and take a picture and post with a message on their social media accounts in support of International Overdose Awareness Day.

In Remembrance

In local services on the day we will light a candle in remembrance of those who lost their lives, while distributing keyring torches to service users with the #overdose awareness logo, which also lights up purple in line with IOAD.  All three events will be an opportunity to stimulate discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. 

Next steps

Is to continue to make podcasts on issues such as drug use, mental health, wellbeing and much more, as a way of us have our say as well as stimulating discussion and creating awareness. Also to invite people from different expertise to be involved in the conversation on the issues for discussion.

Authors: SUDS members 

Follow SUDS on Twitter @SUDSClondalkin1