Northern Light Addiction Care commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month

Date: 08/22/2025

As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, we recognize that tremendous progress has been made – but work remains to be done.

As we approach International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31 and the beginning of National Recovery Month in September, Northern Light Addiction Care recognizes the progress made in reducing fatal overdoses and supporting individuals in recovery.

In 2022, Maine experienced 723 fatal overdoses and 10,483 recorded overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal. In 2024, these numbers decreased to 490 fatal overdoses and 8,528 total overdoses. While this decrease shows the progress made, we must not let up on our efforts to eliminate overdose deaths because even one death is one too many.

"Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy, and we must continue to work together to prevent these deaths," says Jacquelyn A. Cyr RN, MSN, NPc, director, Northern Light Addiction Care at Acadia Hospital. "We have made progress, but we must remain vigilant in our efforts to provide education, resources, and support to those struggling with substance use disorders."

Northern Light Addiction Care encourages the community to join us in raising awareness about the importance of overdose prevention, supporting individuals in recovery, and reducing stigma around substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient community.

If you have lost someone you love to overdose, we invite you to remember them by leaving a tribute on the online memorial at overdoseday.com/tributes. 

For more information about Northern Light Addiction Care, visit northernlighthealth.org/AddictionCare.