Welcome to October!
Our website recognizes each month's awareness information. We only provide information that is pertinent to addiction, recovery and to the agency's vision and mission statements.
October Awareness
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October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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October 2, 2025: International Day of Non-Violence
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October 7, 2025: You Matter To Me Day
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October 10 2025: World Mental Health Day
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October 15, 2025: International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
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October 16, 2025: Conflict Resolution Day
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October 17, 2025: World Trauma Day
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October 18, 2025: National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day
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October 24, 2025: National Senior UTI Awareness Day
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October 25, 2025: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Breast Cancer Awareness is observed globally, particularly during October - which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This month is dedicated to bringing awareness to the benefits of early detection through screenings, educating the public, raising funds for research, and the importance in one knowing their body’s normality.
You can participate in spreading the universal symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing a pink ribbon that represents hope and unity to fight against the disease.
International Day of Non-Violence
October 2, 2025
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on October 2nd, which is also Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.
This day is dedicated to promoting peace through the means of education and public awareness to cultivate a global culture of peace and tolerance.
If you or someone you love have been involved in domestic abuse, you are not alone. Connect with a specialist today. Available 24/7
Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
You Matter to Me Day
October 7, 2025
Relationships are an essential part of our human experience. Yet, through the busyness of life, we can many times forget to share with the people we love most how much they matter to us; and sometimes we don’t realize the weight of our mistakes until it’s too late.
You Matter To Me Day was established by Linda Jew in 2010 after a painful loss of her friend and his son unexpectedly. That loss shattered her world furthermore after realizing she had never expressed how much they truly mattered to her.
This day aids in bringing awareness to how delicate life is and the importance of sharing love from the heart to those we hold dear to our hearts.
The motto of You Matter to Me Day is, “Because everyone matters to someone, and someone matters to you.”
World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2025
World Mental Health Day, is observed annually on October 10th, as a global initiative to highlight the awareness surrounding mental health issues.
Due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, this observance day serves as a crucial opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to encourage mental wellbeing, the importance of safe interactions, honest conversations, and genuine support to all people.
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
October 15, 2025
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is observed annually on October 15th; highlighting miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.
This global event encourages unity and the coming together of those who have been impacted by pregnancy and infant loss while also bringing awareness to the need for improved maternal and infant health care.
You can participate in spreading the awareness of pregnancy and infant loss by wearing a pink and blue ribbon.
Conflict Resolution Day
October 16, 2025
Conflict Resolution Day, was established by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) in 2005; and is celebrated on the third Thursday of October each year.
The purpose of this day is to bring awareness to peaceful, conflict resolution methods that can be achieved through mediation and negotiation techniques as a solution to unruly disputes in hopes that all people remain safe during conflict.
This day fosters the use of these techniques in a variety of settings, which includes schools, families, businesses, and communities.
World Trauma Day
October 17, 2025
World Trauma Day, is observed annually on October 17th, which raises the awareness concerning the prevention of traumatic injuries and why timely trauma care is crucial for saving lives.
World Trauma Day originated in New Delhi (North-Central India) based on its high road accident casualties.
The goal for this day is to emphasize how trauma is often caused by accidents and violence, yet can be largely preventable through public education, responsible actions, and proper emergency response systems.
National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day
October 18 2025
National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day was established in October of 2021 in honor of a woman by the name of Jack Nunnery, who had been a victim of sexual assault.
Sexual abuse is an illegal crime and can happen to men, women, and children.
The focus of this day is to provide positive support to victims of sexual assault by empowering them through awareness that their voice matters and safe spaces exist.
Helping victims feel seen and safe to come forward and speak about their experience(s) is a crucial step towards inner healing.
If you or someone you love have been sexually assaulted, you are not alone. Connect with a specialist today.
Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Specialist are available 24/7.
National Senior UTI Awareness Day
October 24, 2025
National Senior UTI Awareness Day is observed annually on October 24th, bringing awareness to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults. This is a rather common issue that can form serious health consequences in older individuals - such as confusion or delirium.
This day also calls attention to the susceptibility seniors can have to UTIs due to factors like an enfeebled immune system and age-affiliated bladder changes, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
UTIs in seniors can lead to critical health issues if not identified and treated quickly.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
October 25, 2025
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 25, 2025, and is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This event allows for a safe and nameless way for individuals to dispose of unconsumed or expired prescription medications at collection sites across the country.
You can use the DEA's website to find participating locations in your area. Sites are typically located at police departments, pharmacies, and other community hubs.
Nicotine Prevention
All tobacco and nicotine products- whether smoked, chewed, or vaped pose serious health risks. While some products may carry relatively lower risks than others, none are safe, and all can contribute to addiction, disease, and long-term health complications. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products and most e-cigarettes. It acts on the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated use and making cessation difficult.
1. Product-Specific Health Risks
-
A. Cigars and Cigarillos
- Contain as much nicotine as cigarettes, sometimes more.
- Produce thicker, more toxic smoke due to fermentation.
- Linked to oral, esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancers.
- Increase risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Secondhand smoke from cigars is highly toxic.
-
B. Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless)
- Includes chew, snuff, and nicotine pouches.
- Causes oral cancers, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Increase risk of pancreatic cancer and nicotine addiction.
- Delivery high doses of nicotine, often more than cigarettes.
-
C. E-Cigarettes, E-Liquid, and Vaping
- Most contain nicotine, even when labeled ·nicotine-free. ·- Aerosol contains:
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead)
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Diacetyl, linked to ·popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)- Associated with:
- Lung injury (EVALI)
- Nicotine poisoning, especially in children - Battery explosions and burns
- May be less harmful than cigarettes if used exclusively by adults trying to quit smoking but not safe.
2. Impact on Recovery and Mental
-
Health - Nicotine addiction can:
- Undermine recovery from other substance use disorders.
- Increase anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
- Dual use (e.g., vaping and smoking) increases exposure to toxins and worsens respiratory outcomes.
- Withdrawal symptoms irritability, cravings, insomnia can interfere with therapy and recovery goals.
3. Long-Term Health Consequences
-
- Cancer: Oral, lung, throat, pancreatic, and esophageal.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, hypertension.
- Respiratory illness: COPD, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis.
- Reproductive harm: Low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal brain damage. - Cognitive decline: Especially with early or prolonged use.
NOTICE
Communication media utilized by Community Action Against Addiction is for information exchange between members of the community, whether client or staff.
These accounts are staffed and monitored by non-service staff.
It is expected that all participants will maintain a level of courtesy owed to all parties.
You Matter to Me Day
October 7, 2025
Relationships are an essential part of our human experience. Yet, through the busyness of life, we can many times forget to share with the people we love most how much they matter to us; and sometimes we don’t realize the weight of our mistakes until it’s too late.
You Matter To Me Day was established by Linda Jew in 2010 after a painful loss of her friend and his son unexpectedly. That loss shattered her world furthermore after realizing she had never expressed how much they truly mattered to her.
This day aids in bringing awareness to how delicate life is and the importance of sharing love from the heart to those we hold dear to our hearts.
The motto of You Matter to Me Day is, “Because everyone matters to someone, and someone matters to you.”
World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2025
World Mental Health Day, is observed annually on October 10th, as a global initiative to highlight the awareness surrounding mental health issues.
Due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, this observance day serves as a crucial opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to encourage mental wellbeing, the importance of safe interactions, honest conversations, and genuine support to all people.
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
October 15, 2025
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is observed annually on October 15th; highlighting miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.
This global event encourages unity and the coming together of those who have been impacted by pregnancy and infant loss while also bringing awareness to the need for improved maternal and infant health care.
You can participate in spreading the awareness of pregnancy and infant loss by wearing a pink and blue ribbon.
Conflict Resolution Day
October 16, 2025
Conflict Resolution Day, was established by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) in 2005; and is celebrated on the third Thursday of October each year.
The purpose of this day is to bring awareness to peaceful, conflict resolution methods that can be achieved through mediation and negotiation techniques as a solution to unruly disputes in hopes that all people remain safe during conflict.
This day fosters the use of these techniques in a variety of settings, which includes schools, families, businesses, and communities.
World Trauma Day
October 17, 2025
World Trauma Day, is observed annually on October 17th, which raises the awareness concerning the prevention of traumatic injuries and why timely trauma care is crucial for saving lives.
World Trauma Day originated in New Delhi (North-Central India) based on its high road accident casualties.
The goal for this day is to emphasize how trauma is often caused by accidents and violence, yet can be largely preventable through public education, responsible actions, and proper emergency response systems.
National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day
October 18 2025
National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day was established in October of 2021 in honor of a woman by the name of Jack Nunnery, who had been a victim of sexual assault.
Sexual abuse is an illegal crime and can happen to men, women, and children.
The focus of this day is to provide positive support to victims of sexual assault by empowering them through awareness that their voice matters and safe spaces exist.
Helping victims feel seen and safe to come forward and speak about their experience(s) is a crucial step towards inner healing.
If you or someone you love have been sexually assaulted, you are not alone. Connect with a specialist today.
Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Specialist are available 24/7.
National Senior UTI Awareness Day
October 24, 2025
National Senior UTI Awareness Day is observed annually on October 24th, bringing awareness to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults. This is a rather common issue that can form serious health consequences in older individuals - such as confusion or delirium.
This day also calls attention to the susceptibility seniors can have to UTIs due to factors like an enfeebled immune system and age-affiliated bladder changes, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
UTIs in seniors can lead to critical health issues if not identified and treated quickly.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
October 25, 2025
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 25, 2025, and is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This event allows for a safe and nameless way for individuals to dispose of unconsumed or expired prescription medications at collection sites across the country.
You can use the DEA's website to find participating locations in your area. Sites are typically located at police departments, pharmacies, and other community hubs.
Nicotine Prevention
All tobacco and nicotine products- whether smoked, chewed, or vaped pose serious health risks. While some products may carry relatively lower risks than others, none are safe, and all can contribute to addiction, disease, and long-term health complications. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products and most e-cigarettes. It acts on the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated use and making cessation difficult.
1. Product-Specific Health Risks
-
A. Cigars and Cigarillos
- Contain as much nicotine as cigarettes, sometimes more.
- Produce thicker, more toxic smoke due to fermentation.
- Linked to oral, esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancers.
- Increase risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Secondhand smoke from cigars is highly toxic.
-
B. Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless)
- Includes chew, snuff, and nicotine pouches.
- Causes oral cancers, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Increase risk of pancreatic cancer and nicotine addiction.
- Delivery high doses of nicotine, often more than cigarettes.
-
C. E-Cigarettes, E-Liquid, and Vaping
- Most contain nicotine, even when labeled ·nicotine-free. ·- Aerosol contains:
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead)
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Diacetyl, linked to ·popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)- Associated with:
- Lung injury (EVALI)
- Nicotine poisoning, especially in children - Battery explosions and burns
- May be less harmful than cigarettes if used exclusively by adults trying to quit smoking but not safe.
2. Impact on Recovery and Mental
-
Health - Nicotine addiction can:
- Undermine recovery from other substance use disorders.
- Increase anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
- Dual use (e.g., vaping and smoking) increases exposure to toxins and worsens respiratory outcomes.
- Withdrawal symptoms irritability, cravings, insomnia can interfere with therapy and recovery goals.
3. Long-Term Health Consequences
-
- Cancer: Oral, lung, throat, pancreatic, and esophageal.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, hypertension.
- Respiratory illness: COPD, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis.
- Reproductive harm: Low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal brain damage. - Cognitive decline: Especially with early or prolonged use.
NOTICE
Communication media utilized by Community Action Against Addiction is for information exchange between members of the community, whether client or staff.
These accounts are staffed and monitored by non-service staff.
It is expected that all participants will maintain a level of courtesy owed to all parties.