August Is Overdose Awareness Month
When most people hear the word overdose, they picture illegal drugs.
The truth is much more complicated.
Many overdoses involve prescription pain medications, illicit opioids, stimulants, alcohol, or a combination of substances. For some people, the journey begins after a workplace injury, surgery, or chronic medical condition. For others, it begins while trying to numb emotional pain that has gone untreated for far too long.
Nobody dreams of becoming dependent on medication.
Most people simply want the pain to stop.
As someone who has spent years working in construction safety, emergency response, and talking openly about mental health, I’ve learned that every injury has two sides.
There’s the injury everyone can see.
Then there’s the one they can’t.
The Reality: Hard Work, Chronic Pain, and High Risk
Construction & Trades Impact: According to CDC and NIOSH data, construction workers represent 15% to 17% of all drug overdose deaths among the U.S. working population, despite making up only about 8% of the workforce.
The Injury Connection: Construction workers are among the most likely to experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and chronic pain. When a prescription runs out or pain remains unmanaged, the transition to improper medication use or illegal alternatives becomes a slippery slope.
The Isolation Factor: Studies show that active chronic pain significantly increases overdose risk—and when coupled with emotional isolation, the danger multiplies. Men, in particular, are conditioned to “suck it up” and keep moving, leading them to hide their pain until it becomes unbearable.
Isolation isn’t just a symptom—it’s a multiplier. When someone feels alone, alienated, or ashamed of their injury or dependence, they retreat into the shadows. And the shadows are where overdoses happen alone, with nobody around to call 911 or administer assistance.
We Also Need to Remember Our Veterans
Many veterans have found a second career in construction, manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and the skilled trades.
They bring leadership, discipline, experience, and an incredible work ethic to every jobsite.
Some also carry invisible wounds.
Years of military service may leave them living with chronic pain, damaged joints, hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, or other conditions that require long-term medical care. Many responsibly manage these conditions under the guidance of their healthcare providers.
As coworkers, supervisors, friends, and family members, our job isn’t to judge.
Our job is to notice when something changes.
If a veteran—or anyone else—begins withdrawing from coworkers, appears overwhelmed, seems unusually exhausted, struggles with pain, or no longer acts like themselves, don’t assume they’ll ask for help.
Many won’t.
A simple conversation could become the turning point they never expected.
Sometimes the strongest people are the least likely to admit they’re struggling.
That’s why we check on one another.
The CAP Strategy: Communication, Awareness, Preparation
We don’t need to be doctors to save a life. We just need to be observant, prepared, and willing to reach out.
1. Communication (Break the Silence)
Reach Out Directly: If a crew member, friend, or brother has been quiet, injured, or out of work, don’t wait for them to call you. Pick up the phone. A 2-minute call to check in can be the lifeline someone needs to know they aren’t forgotten.
Normalize Talking About Pain: Pain isn’t a character flaw; it’s a physical reality. Create an environment where guys can admit they’re hurting without fearing they’ll lose their job or respect.
2. Awareness (Recognize the Warning Signs)
Behavioral Shifts: Watch for sudden withdrawal, missed shifts, drastic mood changes, or extreme fatigue.
Physical Red Flags: Signs of opioid toxicity or overdose include slow/shallow breathing, unresponsiveness, cold or clammy skin, or blue/gray lips and fingernails.
3. Preparation (Carry the Tools)
Keep Naloxone (Narcan) Handheld: Naloxone is an over-the-counter nasal spray that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose. Keeping Narcan in your truck, tool box, or home isn’t an endorsement of drug use—it’s emergency first aid, no different than carrying a fire extinguisher or a tourniquet.
Have an Emergency Plan: Know who on your crew or in your family knows CPR, and never hesitate to call 911 immediately.
This Is Why One Man a Minute Matters
Every minute, somewhere in the world, a man dies by suicide.
Many who struggle with substance use also struggle with depression, chronic pain, PTSD, or profound loneliness.
Likewise, not everyone who experiences an overdose was trying to end their life.
What these situations often have in common is isolation.
People who believe no one notices.
People who believe asking for help makes them weak.
People who quietly convince themselves they’ll handle it tomorrow.
That’s why the mission of One Man a Minute has always been simple:
No one should suffer alone.
Connection saves lives.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management, mental health, or substance use, you do not have to carry it alone. These services are confidential, free, and available 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors for mental health support, crisis intervention, or substance use support.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referral and information.
Never Use Alone: Call 1-800-484-3731. If someone is using alone, operators stay on the line and will dispatch emergency medical services only if the caller becomes unresponsive.
CDC / NIOSH Opioid Resources: Visit the CDC Opioid Awareness Page for employer toolkits, safety guidelines, and injury prevention strategies.
The Bottom Line: No one gets through life completely on their own. Whether you’re managing a chronic injury from years on the job or watching a friend drift away, step up. Check in on your people. One conversation can alter the course of a life.
Training Resources
Here is a breakdown of recognized training programs and online courses for personnel, first responders, and workplace safety teams to learn opioid overdose recognition and Narcan (naloxone) administration:
National Safety & First Aid Organizations
American Red Cross – First Aid for Opioid Overdose Online
Overview: A ~45–55 minute interactive online course covering how to recognize the signs of an overdose, perform basic life support care, and administer various naloxone devices (nasal sprays and auto-injectors).
Certification: Provides a 2-year Red Cross certificate of completion.
Best For: General staff, site safety personnel, and CPR/First Aid responders.
National Safety Council (NSC) – Opioid Overdose & First Aid Modules
Overview: Offers targeted workplace safety training modules and resources focused on handling substance use emergencies, identifying overdose risks, and integrating Narcan into emergency action plans.
Best For: Occupational safety managers, safety committee members, and designated workplace first aid teams.
Dedicated Overdose Prevention & Community Programs
Get Naloxone Now (GetNaloxoneNow.org)
Overview: Interactive online modules built specifically for bystanders, community members, and professional first responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement, and facility response teams).
Focus: Covers rapid identification of respiratory distress, step-by-step nasal spray administration, and post-administration care.
Certification: Offers digital Certificates of Completion upon post-test completion.
Overdose Lifeline – Layperson Naloxone (NARCAN) Training
Overview: Available as a self-paced online course or live instructor-led virtual session. Covers opioid basics, fentanyl awareness, safety precautions, and hands-on response steps.
Best For: Businesses, correctional/security staff, field crews, and designated safety leads.
Federal & Public Health Training Platforms
CDC TRAIN – Naloxone for Opioid Overdose 101
Overview: A free 15–20 minute foundational e-learning module developed in partnership with the CDC. Focuses on drug pharmacology, recognizing overdose signs, proper administration timing, and understanding Good Samaritan legal protections.
Best For: Public safety personnel, site security, and general employees looking for a quick, official primer.
SAMHSA & ATTC Network (Addiction Technology Transfer Center)
Overview: Free online courses and downloadable training toolkits tailored for organization staff. Emphasizes reducing stigma, administering reversal medications, and maintaining scene safety.
University & Regional Public Health Initiatives
Michigan OPEN – Take A.C.T.I.O.N. Naloxone Training
Overview: Free online course covering overdose protocols with downloadable certificates.
State Department of Health E-Learning Portals
Overview: Most state health departments host free 15-to-30-minute state-specific naloxone training portals (e.g., Indiana University’s Stop Overdose program or state-level EMS portals). These are tailored to regional Good Samaritan laws, standing medical orders, and local Narcan distribution programs.
Key Topics Covered in These Courses
Identification: Differentiating between heavy intoxication and a life-threatening overdose (e.g., pinpoint pupils, unresponsiveness, slow/stopped breathing, blue/grey fingernails or lips).
Immediate Action: Calling 911 immediately, positioning the victim in the recovery position, and giving rescue breaths if trained.
Administration: Peel, place, and press (nasal spray) or applying auto-injectors; knowing when to administer a second dose if there is no response after 2–3 minutes.
Post-Care: Handling potential acute withdrawal responses when the person wakes up and keeping them safe until emergency services arrive.
Stay safe. Stay bald. Stay honest.
— Allen Woffard
Diary of a Bald Man