International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death.

Show Your Support

The silver badge, purple wristband and purple lanyard are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these signifies the loss of someone cherished, or demonstrate support to those undergoing grief. It sends out a message that every person’s life is valuable and that stigmatising people who use drugs needs to stop.

Host or Attend an Activity

Hosting your own International Overdose Awareness Day event or activity, or attending one, is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have lost their lives to overdose.

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Promotional Resources

We provide campaign materials to share within your community to help prevent overdose.

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Donate

Donate and help to raise awareness of overdose and spread the message that overdose is preventable.

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Post a Tribute

Post your tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose.

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2020 Partners’ Report Released

Creating change in the face of adversity

The 2020 Partners’ Report tells the story of International Overdose Awareness Day in 2020.

READ IT NOW

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Make a Difference in 2020

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that overdose death is preventable. Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.

Do you recognise the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it? In these videos, we hear from people who have been affected by drug use and overdose.

“There wasn’t any white light. I didn’t make out Jesus or see my dead family members. It was just oblivion and it was very frightening.”

Remembering Lost Loved Ones

My son Troy Camiolo died on 04/27/18 he was 32 years old. He died from a Heroin/Fentanyl overdose. His sister & brother along with his nieces and nephews miss and love Troy. I love my boy❤️ Posted 27/08/2019

Jill Dubell

Although I struggled for years to push you to get sober, you did not want it. No matter how many lock ups I did, your heart was one I couldn't get. You decided on your own to prove us all wrong, and your final punishment was to make me be the one to watch. I chose to stop the doctors, I live with my decision every day. Your addiction still affects me every day of my life... Did I kill you by pulling that plug? or did you? Thanks mom.... The unloved daughter of addict who died from an overdose

Moms not forgotten

Missing my dear brother Patrick Margotta more and more everyday. You fought such a long hard battle, but unfortunately it got the best of you. Our world just isn't the same without you. RIP until we meet again.

Laura

Tribute to my darling girl Holly who lost her fight with drugs on Boxing Day 2016. Her daughter Daisy loved her so much and we will never, ever forget her. Always in our hearts. Rest in Peace angel. Mum, Dad and Daisy Hervey Bay Australia

Sally

I lost my son 4/27/18. He was almost 11 months clean. For some reason I will never know why he used twice that day, the second time fatal. He did not know the second dose had enough fentanyl in it to kill 4 grown people. A loving father of a 7 year old son, working full time, and would help anyone who needed it. He took a piece of my heart with him that day. I miss him so much. One day at a time mom, he would tell me. One day at a time. Mike's mom forever 30.

Ann

Santee Remembering my precious son, John Leigh, who died May 11, 2015, due to an overdose of heroin and alcohol mixture. We love and miss you so much, Sweetheart. Love you always. Mom and Dad and daughter. Santee

Peggie Leigh

In memory of Joe who we lost right before his 30th birthday in 2018, in honor of my son Josh who is on the recovery path and just celebrated one year sober (still in supportive housing!!!) and lastly for all those who continue to struggle everyday with the horrible grasp of addiciton....keep your head held high and keep reaching for the stars, ONE DAY AT A TIME, you got this! Myself, I am starting school at 52 for Substance Use Counceling!!! I found my reason for living and cannot wait to begin this next chapter of my life

Lori

My dear friend, oh how I miss you! I miss our long talks of a better life, I miss our talks of no more struggles about how you are having good days and bad. I just miss our 20 plus years of friendship and the book that never got published. You had so much to say you've been through so much. May you now rest in peace, no more pain or suffering. Your boys are left to grow on without you, your husband is here to pick up the pieces. Just know you are loved and thought about often. Your forever friend....

Tawanda

To Pascal. I will always remember you. Love

Alexandra

Dear Jason, Words can't express how hollow our hearts are without you. I wrote this poem for you. Always in my heart, Aunt Tracy Rest In Peace Dear Nephew I hate you heroin with all my heart, you eat up souls and tear them apart. He was a young boy so innocent and pure you found your way into a wide open door. He changed so much with such hatred and despair, I can't believe you play so very unfair. I watched as you caused him such torture and pain, yet he could not stop riding the heroin train. My nephew is gone now and my family is sad, for you dear heroin are so very bad. Please leave us alone now you have caused so much despair, leave us alone now my family is beyond repair. I miss you dear nephew more than you know, for my heart now has a wide open hole. Rest in peace now dear nephew for the battle is over, you no longer have to fight with heroins soldiers. So close your eyes now dear nephew place your head in gods hands,for he will now free you from heroins tortuous bands. Jason 8/21/78-11/15/15

Tracy

In honor of my son James, whose birthday it was yesterday, August 31. I love you always. Mom

Heidi Kuwik

Ohh how much I miss you my sweet boy..... I hope I can be your mom again. David kuhl...... 3-6-82 - 2-23-14. .. always on my mind and forever in my heart! Xo's

Mary

My best friend Matt passed away 5 years ago. We were best friends, we couldn't live together. I enabled him and he took me on the rides with him. We had lots of laughs, crys and everything in between. I miss him, I miss hearing him laugh. I miss him calling me "beautiful" when he called. He had so much energy and life. I believe cocaine took his life. His heart just gave out. Rest in Peace. I will see you in heaven. God Bless...D Posted 01/04/2019

Denise

Joshua Michael Weis you are missed every day of my life. I know your in the arms of Jesus and I look so forward to the day I see you again. I love you son

Posted 30/08/2018

Kathy Pierce

To: Andrew Gidcumb (6/15/1991-8/11/2012) Our dear son, brother, we miss you more than words can express. You still live in our hearts!

Mom, Dad, Tim, Jaclyn, Steve & Alex

In Memory of my beautiful son, Robby Nelson - 09/16/82 - 10/17/09 - Accidental Overdose. There's not a day; not even a hour that goes by, that I don't think of you, my beautiful beautiful son. I miss you and love you so very much. I can't wait until we meet again, and I can wrap my arms around you. All my love and heart, forever, Mom.

Tami (Mom)

In loving memory of my sister Rachel Irene “bean” Salmon who passed away from an overdose on July 17 2019. You will always be my sister and I will carry you In my heart. I am sorry I couldn’t save you and show you how much you were loved. You were sweet , kind , funny , smart , talented and a very special soul. My heart is broken that you are gone and we won’t grow old together. I know you are at peace from your struggles. I love you very much and miss you terribly. Posted 20/08/2019

Melanie Chud

To my loving son David, I miss you more everyday. All my love, Mom

Deborah

I miss my dad so much. I Lost him at 16. He showed me the most love I’ve ever felt as well as the most pain

Max

Remembering my beautiful daughter Amanda Michelle Blankenship . Taken too soon from her family and friends because of a heroin overdose . Forever 19 . Rest In Peace my sweet daughter . Sandston

Michelle Traylor

There is not a day that goes by where you don't cross my mind. You were and always will be the light of my life. This whole time I thought I was teaching you but now I know it was you who taught me. Jeffrey Gut, September will always be a dark month for the rest of my life. They say it was an accidental overdose, but it doesn't matter anymore. You no longer have pain and can be as free as the wind. I see you when I close my eyes and I feel you when I don't know what to do. You are the best fiancé a person could have. I wish I would had seen the signs. You are the kind of person God gives a girl so that she knows what loss means for the rest of her life. Please be always with me. I love you Jeffrey Gut. April 11,1996-September 27,2015

Daisy

I lost the love of my life to drugs. I don't want to see anyone else die due to this disease. San Antonio

gregory jordan

I lost my father Jeff Fowler to a heroin overdose on Jan.20th 2015 he is very sadly missed

circleville

Melinda Fowler

Well spoken. It is astonishing how many Tributes mention that the person had stopped using. Rehab and periods of abstinence are well-known risk factors for overdose but are obviously two of the most dangerous. And we should never forget friends, family partners etc..because they will never forget what they've lost. Look after yourself.

oad

I miss you so much Peanut. I wish I could hold you. Forever 23. Love you to heaven and back.

Mackenzie Lee Marie

I miss you so much Katelyn. Your life meant more than many are able to do in an entire lifetime. You were taken way too soon. I will work every single day at learning to become a better physician for those with addiction. I wish I could have realized the importance of addiction advocacy before you passed. Your parents, grandparents, siblings, daughters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and rest of the family miss you more than words can describe.

Katelyn

Remembering my son Davey Gonzales. 01-02-1984 to 08-09-2014. Davey had two severe injuries that lead to drug addiction. However, he detoxed as he didn't want to be dependant any longer. It took him eight days to feel normal again. He was happy, free, and returned to work. That night changed his life forever...he went to a store and was a victim of a crime of gun violence and was shot in the head. This lead to serious drugs being administered, a loss of an eye, sinus cavity, and broken jaw. Once he started recovering physically with more surgeries ahead, he was once again drug addicted and suffered from PTSD and depression as a result of this incident. Davey overdosed and is now gone. Those of us that are left behind...well we are forever changed and miss him dearly. So please reach out and just listen or guide someone towards help/treatment. This may be the change someone needs.
Thank you,
Davey Madre❤

Toledo

Danice Stern

For my beautiful daughter Jessica, my babygirl, We all miss you so much. Rest in peace honey. Love always, Your Daddy.

Robert

To my friend Tara. May you rest in paradise! I'll always remember you and love you with all my heart!

Normal Illinois

Amanda

Tara, My beautiful beautiful daughter, not a day goes by that I dont see your face. this hurts so much! Lily and Delaney are lost without you & so am I .This feels like a bad dream that I cant wake up from. my only hope is that you are not hurting anymore! Love mom

Posted 09/08/2018

Karen Caton-Taylor

To my young son Zak, he was only just 21 when he died of a heroin overdose September 23, 2012. He was my everything. He fell hard into drugs off and on for the last 2 and a half years. He was clean for months and suddenly overdosed, when he slipped up and relapsed. He died less than a week after going back to the drug. I miss you so much Zak. You will always be my shining star. Your sister and brother miss you very much and talk about you like you are still here with us. Zak loved his sister and brother, despite his own personal struggles. He was never one to miss one of their holiday shows or concerts. We are an "I Love You" family and I'm glad we all had that relationship with him. His personality didn't change when he struggled. He was still sweet and loving, and I'll miss him for ever.

Lisa, your Mom

I found my son, Eric, dead of an overdose on Thursday, August 22, and my daughter on May 6,2019. Two in three months. Fentanyl. This needs to stop so other parents don't have to grieve their children. Posted 01/09/2019

marie

My dearest Christopher - It's been months now, and I've still not really begun to deal with the pain. We are so young. We are supposed to have so much time left. But you're gone. I know it's crazy but I still think about all the ways you might still be alive. Maybe it wasn't really you in the casket. It certainly didn't look like you. You looked so green and ill. You wouldn't believe how many of us are dying without you. We don't talk to each other, but you've left all of us hurting. I love you so very much. For you, I am going to try to let myself feel the pain. The real pain of losing someone I loved so much and had so many hopes and dreams for. I'm going to try to let down the wall and allow myself to feel what I really feel - what I deserve to feel. I'm devastated, Chris. And the worst part is that no matter how much I stomp my feet, no matter how much I protest and say that it isn't fair, it won't bring you back. It just feels like this should have happened to someone else. To someone who wasn't so damn intelligent and beautiful and charismatic. I have been looking into grieving resources specific to losing someone to addiction, and it linked me to an article about how to deal with the death of an addict. It hit me like a ton of bricks to read that. To realize someone so unique and so powerful and so complex... fits under a heading of "addict". I miss you terribly, and for you, I am going to try to allow myself to grieve fully. I know you wouldn't want me to stay stuck on this. I know you would want me to heal and move forward and accomplish more in my life. I don't know how, but I know I have to do it. I can't stay stuck. I love you so very much. I hope you'll keep visiting me in my dreams. I cry so much in them but it feels so wonderful and so real to have you in my arms, even just in my dreams. I love you. I miss you. Every damn day.

Sameeh

http://www.joehieb.com

Daniel Hieb

To my cuz I’m so sorry you’ve been taken so young and so unfairly my heart is shattered you’ll always be remembered Untell we meet again 😔❤

Tasha

Michael, you brightened our lives with your kindness and laughter. Although the days seem so dark and hopeless since you died on 12/13/16, my hope is that the good memories will one day take the place of the images of that day in my head, and that our family will begin to heal and be at peace. You were loved, you are missed, you will never be forgotten. Love, Mom Posted 18/06/2019

Susanne

He wanted to save his girlfriend from her heroin addiction. He spoke often of his fear that she would die. But it wasn't his girlfriend who lost the battle. On April 6, 2013, in what was to be their last hit, heroin won. Ryan was 32. I love you, son. Ryan's mom

Mary

On May 2,2020, I lost you Monk, my best friend, my husband, my kids dad, my soul mate to an overdose. I love and miss you so much baby.Never be forgotten. Fly High. Fly High.

Candi

My mother passed away two years ago when i was nineteen. She struggled her whole life to come to terms with sexual, physical, and emotional trauma she experienced as a child. Unfortunately when my mother lost her fight with the past throughout our lives my siblings and i would suffer until we finally lost her. It's still doesn't feel real. I'm still hoping she'll call and talk to me about my life. Here's to you mom, you were one hell of a lady.

Amanda

Ryan Patrick Page August 13, 1988 -- July 18, 2017 Ryan was the most loving and selfless person. His smile could brighten your worst day. He cared for everyone before himself and had the biggest heart. We Love you and Miss you every second of every day Ry! Oregon

Renee

Kyle, You were the love of my life and my best friend! I am so lucky to have had spent so many special and private moments with you when you were clean, sober, and happy. That is how I choose to remember you. The disease took you from me and there is not a day that goes by that I try to understand why things had to happen the way they did. There is a huge hole in my heart and life but I can still feel you with me each day. From purple to crystals to phish, I constantly am reminded what an extremely kind, smart, creative boyfriend and best friend I got to have in my life. I am so glad that its you watching over me each day. The only person I ever trusted with all my secrets. If it was not for you, I would not be alive to write this today about you.

Erica

Today marks 4 years since Max’s death.

Posted 30/08/2018

Annie

MENANDS MENANDS

GlennM

Scott, I think of you every day. How could I not? Mental illness took over. I am so sorry for that and wish there was something anybody could have done for you. Yes, you were the smartest person in the room but you were also the funniest. It was a struggle that was not to be overcome. I hope you are at peace. You knew this to be your destiny. That's sad. I hung out with you for a while at the cemetery today. Too many other young adults there for the same reason. 8/9/79-12/15/12. Mom

mom

Hey ant. I love ya bud. I miss you so much. Jr and kelsey are in good hands and all of our friends are taking care of them both. Jr is loved so much and looks so much like you. He's ten months and he's huge! Keep watching over us pal. Love ya

Rian

Michael Benson, I know you suffered here on earth and I'm happy you are at peace, but you were my only sibling and my protector, so I am feeling alone, and very lost without you. You had amazing talents that God gave you, and you always made me feel safe. You were an artist, a comedian, you taught yourself to play the guitar, you were the best in the business when it came to your work. You always made people laugh when the world was mean and ugly. You suffered from the demon that's called meth, but in the end, that's not who you were. Michael, my world stopped the day you died and I'll never be whole again, but I will see you on the other side my brother.

Yukon, Oklahoma USA

Jennifer Green

Scott Dillon
You would be so proud of the beautiful people our children have grown up to be.
I hope you're finally at peace.
9/14/1974 - 4/24/2007

Charleston, WV USA

Alison Messer

My ex brother in law, Michael died of an accidental overdose recently. He had battled drugs and alcohol for YEARS. He overdosed with two doses of the stuff that's supposed to bring you back sitting next to him. His youngest brother found him, he tried to revive him and gave him a shot. EMS also gave him a shot. He was gone. The devastation to his sons and grandchildren and those of us who loved him is immense. Anyone who knows this road, knows how it is to love an addict and worry they'll die or become a vegetable. Michael, you were a great guy with many talents. Your infectious laugh and smile, the way you listened to your loved ones, how you said the funniest things (HOLY UNDERWEAR, for one) . I wish I could have taken away the pain you had, physically as well as mentally. You are missed, you were loved and always will be loved. I truly hope you finally found peace.

Theresa

To: My sister, Susan Wetzel who died of an accident overdose of prescription drugs on June 20 2011. I know you tried to fight the battle of using opiates and lost. You were only 46 years old. You were a kind and loving person. I miss you deeply and my heart continues to feel pain. I think of you daily. I know you are at peace and living your eternal life. We will meet up again someday. I will always love you Sue.

Your sister, Karen Wetzel

Sweet Jay, my best friend in better or worse, till death do us part. You truly were the love of my life, my soulmate. Forever stay in my heart. I love you.

Katibeth