Opioid Addiction Awareness Month: 7 Ways To Participate

Each year, dedicated days and months shine a spotlight on opioid addiction, opioid use disorder, and other substance use disorders. These awareness observances present powerful opportunities to challenge stigma, encourage treatment, share facts and statistics, honor loved ones lost to overdose, and show support for individuals and families affected by addiction.

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Here are seven meaningful ways to take action and get involved.

1. Know Important Dates

Specific days and months are dedicated to raising awareness about substance use, overdose prevention, mental health, and recovery. Organizations such as Shatterproof and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) often use these awareness events as opportunities to educate, advocate, and connect with others.

Key dates include:

• National Fentanyl Awareness Day — April 29
• International Overdose Awareness Day — Aug. 31
• National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day — Sept. 21
• National Recovery Month — September
• National Substance Abuse Prevention Month — October

Some of these dates change each year, so check the organizer’s website for the most current information. If you know of awareness dates or observances not listed here, share them on MyOpioidRecoveryTeam so others can get involved.

2. Post on Social Media

Sharing educational content and supportive messages on social media is a simple but powerful way to raise awareness during addiction and recovery awareness months. Some organizations make it easy by offering free tool kits with prewritten posts, weekly themes, shareable graphics, and more. A few examples:

• SAMHSA National Recovery Month Toolkit
• International Overdose Awareness Day Toolkit
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day Toolkit
• SAFE Project Social Media Toolkit

To boost visibility and reach, include relevant hashtags such as:

• #RecoveryMonth
• #RecoveryJourney
• #YouAreNotAlone
• #RecoveryIsReal
• #OverdoseAware
• #EndOverdose
• #TogetherWeCan
• #OneBigFamily

Whether you post a personal story, share a statistic, or promote an event, your voice on social media can help spread hope, awareness, compassion, and accurate information.

3. Participate in Events

Participating in awareness, remembrance, and fundraising events offers a meaningful way to honor a loved one or show support for all those living with or recovering from a substance use disorder. Whether you’re walking in memory of someone, raising funds and awareness, or simply showing support, your presence sends a powerful message: We’re all in this together.

Some events to consider:

• The Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma takes place annually in cities across the U.S. If there isn’t a walk near you, consider hosting your own and inviting friends and family to join you.
• International Overdose Awareness Day features a calendar of remembrance walks, concerts, candlelight vigils, and other events around the world. Join an event near you or organize your own.
• Overdose Lifeline hosts the Outpacing the Stigma 5K at its Indianapolis headquarters each October.

Addiction treatment centers, harm reduction organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and other groups in your area may also host events that are open to the public. Check local calendars, social media, and community bulletin boards.

4. Sign Up To Volunteer

Donating your time and energy is an impactful way to support individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder and opioid addiction. Volunteering not only raises awareness but also strengthens communities and fosters empathy and compassion. Whether you participate in a one-time event tied to an awareness day or volunteer year-round, your efforts make a difference. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Complete organizations’ volunteer interest forms to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
• Search general volunteering platforms like VolunteerMatch.
• Browse volunteer calendars for local nonprofits.
• Sign up to hand out water, snacks, or high-fives to participants in a 5K run/walk for awareness.
• Support a harm reduction program by assembling or distributing drug overdose reversal kits.
• Offer your time or resources to support a local recovery center.

If you already volunteer, share your experience on MyOpioidRecoveryTeam. Your story could inspire others to get involved too.

5. Become an Advocate

Advocacy is a powerful way to take action and support people affected by the opioid crisis. To advocate means to speak up, raise awareness, and push for change. You can advocate on a national level or in your local community. Some ways to help:

• Sign petitions calling for more funding for opioid treatment and prevention programs.
• Share your story to raise awareness and break the stigma around addiction.
• Take a pledge to show your support and help strengthen the community.
• Write letters or emails urging public health officials and legislators to act.
• Educate yourself and others about the risks of prescription opioids.
• Support and promote the Rx Awareness campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more advocacy ideas and opportunities, connect with organizations like Shatterproof, Partnership to End Addiction, SAFE Project, and others working to end this health crisis. No experience is needed. Many organizations offer tools, resources, and training to help you make your voice heard.

6. Help Break the Stigma

Awareness months and days are powerful reminders of the importance of talking about opioid use disorder and substance use, but you can create change and awareness in your daily life. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using nonstigmatizing, compassionate language and sharing accurate, potentially lifesaving information with loved ones.

Words have an impact. Stigmatizing terms like “addict,” “abuser,” “druggie,” or “junkie” can reinforce shame and prevent people from seeking help. Instead, use respectful, nonstigmatizing language such as:

• “Person with a substance use disorder”
• “Person with an opioid use disorder”
• “Substance-free” (rather than “clean”)

To learn more about why words matter and how language improves outcomes, watch Shatterproof’s “Words Matter” video and explore the organization’s Addiction Language Guide. Share these resources with friends, family members, and coworkers. Changing the way we talk about addiction helps reduce stigma, support recovery, and create a more compassionate world.

7. Boost Your Impact

Although there is much you can achieve alone, your efforts go even further when you involve others. To broaden your reach, invite friends, family, neighbors, classmates, or co-workers to join you in making a difference.

These activities are great for groups and can help amplify your message:

• Join or organize a community walk.
• Share information and resources on social media.
• Volunteer for community-based groups.
• Coordinate a school or workplace awareness week.
• Attend an educational webinar together.
• Fundraise for local recovery services or initiatives.
• Host a book or movie club focusing on the opioid epidemic and overdose prevention.
• Attend a naloxone training session through the American Red Cross and learn how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to help.

By recruiting others, you create a ripple effect. Together, you can raise awareness about opioid use disorder and addiction, fundraise for lifesaving resources and initiatives, share the latest treatment options, and help people know what support services are available and how to access these options. Collective action creates lasting change.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How do you raise awareness for opioid use disorder? What tips do you have for others? Let others know in the comments below.