Jim, I am loving and missing you tremendously over these five months. I understand, I forgive you for what happened and I understood your addiction (I never didn't). I just wish it could have been different. I will always love and miss you. I believe you are free and happy now, and with other family members. Fly on my sweet angel and watch over us with your magical self. We will meet again one day, and until then, know that you are immensely loved and missed.

Shane Graham

My Brother

Who knew you would be gone at 31 I still cant believe it.

I still think you may walk through the door and say "Hey Sis" torment the hell out of me or piss me off, then give me a cheeky smile and say with grin "Hey ....I love ya Sis"

My baby Brother who was bigger than me, my Best Friend, My younger sibling ...yet somehow always the protector of me.

Im Sorry I couldn't bring you back, I tried so hard... you were breathing for me until medical took over, Ill never forget that day, im so sorry.

Mum and I tore down your locked door in minutes when we heard you gasping for air.

I know that you had enough, you said so in anger that day minutes before you locked the door, I thought you were angry, now we know it as your final goodbye and that hurts.

The living nightmare Heroin ripped away my brother ANOTHER amazing life stolen from ANOTHER loving family unexpectedly without any remorse in true Heroin style.

On the 26-7-2016 Heroin you chose Shane, you took my Brother.

On that day...It... was...Our family's turn, our turn to join the grieving club no one wants to be a part of. Our turn to say goodbye.

Its just over a year now and I cry more than before.

You Shane fought so hard for so long i watched your endless rounds night and day, in the ring with evil. The pain in your eyes in the last few weeks told me you were getting worn out from fighting the fight.

Heroins relentless punishment towards the end finally started rapidly tearing away your dreams and self belief.

We all underestimated the power of Heroins grip and although we all tried, it wasn't enough.

No more fighting now baby bro, No more battles, no more daily tortures, your free that MONSTER is finally off your back.

Shane you fought one of the hardest and definately the most relentless, underestimated fights ever assigned to a human, im very proud that you stood up to the challenge, in the end you tapped out as many professional fighters do.

My Love for you my Brother is beyond words measure or explanation.

Finally no longer can Heroin stop my love from reaching your heart Shane, and i send it to you my brother all the time.

Rest Easy Shane - I miss you more and more every day, Love and Cuddles Nichole xxx

AUSTRALIA, PERTH, WANNEROO

Shawn Michael Leins, my 18 year old son, lost to accidental Methadone toxicity October 12, 2012. He was not an addict nor was he prescribed any. A 32 year old neighbor lady shared her 10 mg pills with him and then kicked him out in the middle of the night. Methadone diversion is illegal in my state, yet she was never even questioned. How bout that?! ~4ever, 4always & 4eternity~ Cromwell, Indiana United States

Daniel McGowen December 26,1992--December 19, 2011 There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you and those beautiful eyes and your goofiness.... Love you and miss you! Oregon

My beautiful friend 'Simone' The years go so quick but the pain of loosing you never fades.  I will never have another friend like you-you were one of a kind.  Memories of us are mind to hold close and keep me safe when the world overwhelms me.  I know we will be together again.  Until then I will continue to love and miss you forever. Always in my heart, Lisa xxx

To my son Ryan who was active in meetings and overdose awareness walks. He died from heroin tainted with fentanyl on June 23, 2017. I and all his family miss him and pray that this epidemic can be eradicated. Ryan you will always by in my heart ❤️ I wish you were one of the survivors of this life stealing disease. Rest in peace my beautiful son. I am proud for the fight you fought but the disease was too strong. It took a beautiful life. Love ❤️ you from mom

Brookhaven PA 19015

To my darling sister. I hope that you're free from the pain that I know you were in. I will forever cherish the phone call you made to me exactly 1 month before you left us. I know not everyone in our family were so lucky. Thank you for looking after me when my own life wasn't so great, I will always look up to you as my second mother. Love you always, k. xx Australia

To: Jason Thinking of you always

You will always be in our hearts ❤️ MH ??

I love you for all eternity my son. Maurice Anthony 03/25/92-07/12/16

New Ulm, Mn. USA

Daddy Eddie, RIP❤️I hope you are now at peace & free from your long battle of pain & suffering. You are deeply loved & missed, forever in my ❤️please keep my brother Ryan safe & healthy.🙏🏼❤️ New Bedford, MA USA

Mike Spires you are missed more than words can say! I love you and I wanted to leave a tribute in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day which is August 31st. because you were the best and deserve to not go unrecognized by passing from this horrible disease. There's not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and all the memories we made together as best friends. Someday we will meet again, until then it's not goodbye it's see you again someday.
Love Kim

Methuen Ma US

I am sad to say that over the years I have lost many friends and family to addiction. I also have three children that have overcome it, thankfully. Those lost are: Micah, Melanie, Doug, Tony, Keith, and Logan. There are still so many I know who are struggling. Please pray for all who battle this disease. #sprinklekindnessnotjudgement

To my son Brandon and my son Chad~Your so missed and so loved everyday! Forever 23!

longwood

It's been a hard long road the past couple of years. That voice never leaves my head. I know you saved me, but sadly couldn't save yourself. I know you are happy, I hear that laugh every once and awhile. I just hope people can open their eyes sooner than later. This is a disease and I thank you Tyler, that I am two years sober today and alive. I miss every bit of you, but knowing you are still by my side puts my troubles at ease. I pray for the Harms family that one day they find peace in such a tragedy. I will treasure every memory I had with you. One day we will meet again, and until that day know I love you. ♥️

Life was cut just too short for all the friends I have loved and lost. Gone but not forgotten. From Herion to HIV and quite a few from HCV National Allliance for Medication Assisted Recovery NAMA R of Florida END THE DRUG WAR Nanette

In loving memory of Michael D. Frank.  My husband of 23 years, my friend for 29 years, our daughter's father of 18 years.  He was lost to an accidental overdose on 1/22/16 after years of chronic pain.

My dear Brandon, I miss you more and more with each passing day. It seems like the day you left, Nov 2, 2012, was just yesterday. I wish there was something else I could have done for you. I know I did my best, it just wasn't enough. I spend every day keeping your legacy alive. I share your story with everyone in the hopes that I can save just one person. Then I will know your death was not in vain. I will never forget you my dear son. I love you with all my heart! Until we meet again! Love, Mom.

In memory of our awesome son Austin who died at age 17 on April 12, 2013.  Your legacy is making such a difference Austin.  Thank you for continuing to give us strength and purpose in our commitment to educating others about Harm Reduction. We miss you incredibly.   Love Mom and Dad (Christine & Klaus)  

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.

My sister in law who was my best friend and my son's Aunt was taken from us December 4, 2016. A hole remains in our hearts and our family will never be the same without her. Fly on your way like an eagle up to spirit in the sky, sister xoxoxoxo. I love you Kamloops BC

On Monday September 15, 2014, I discovered my newly titled boyfriend Frankie non-responsive. I immediately called 911 and they directed me how to give him CPR, mouth to mouth reccesitation. He was about 3 1/2 months clean and in recovery. The detectives found track marks on his arms and a syringe in the bathroom. They also found an empty bag of heroin. I had no idea he was using again and was left with so many unanswered questions and so much guilt. I think about him every single day and I keep replaying that morning in my head. He was so full of life and in the short time that he had touched my soul, he helped me so much and gave me so much hope. I truly loved him. The only way Im getting through this right now is by talking to people about it. Everyone thinks it's traumatic that I found him deceased but the most traumatic part is that he is no longer here with me. I wanted to reach out to others and let you guys know your not alone and you can get through this. I've also became more spiritual through this. Because of his passing I found myself reaching out to my higher power and I pray for Frankie everyday. He may not be here, but he will forever be in my heart and I will always try to keep his memory alive. He is never truly gone. He lingers in my mind and heart every single day. RIP Frankie 2/31982 - 9/15/2014

In tribute to my son, Michael Adam Chort. He died of an accidental overdose on June 28th of this year.  He wasn't an addict and ironically, he was very concerned about other family members who are. He was also very committed to his health and nutrition. Mikey was fiercely committed to those he loved in that he put his life on hold to care for his Father. I can only try to understand it in the context of his terrible time with insomnia and his mixing drugs. In fact we discussed the dangers of that just 4 days before he died.  I wish we had laughed more and stressed less. I guess the best way I can honor him is to do that with my surviving son and to find a way to inspire others to know that that are loved.

Matthew, I miss you so much. I wish you could see our baby girl. Life is so different without you. Becoming a single mother and losing you. I don't know how one day I'm going to have to tell Sienna what happened to you. She will never remember you. She was only nine months old. I am so mad at you but I love you so much at the same time. Wish you were here 💔💔

Tampa Florida

My Heart-28081999

You left us just a little over three weeks ago. You tried to fight your demons but they were too strong. You were all or none, you had no rock bottom, you lost everything including your life. The heroin and fentanyl were the love of your life. Ultimately your lover was your killer. We may not of liked you sometimes due to the hold your lover had over the real you but we truly loved you. No more worrying about if you're safe or cold or hurt. We know exactly where you are now and instead of us watching over you, you are watching over us. We will get thru this but we will never get over it. RIP sweet sister of mine. Manda Smith-Mooneyhan 8/7/80-8/5/14.

To: Andrew For my son Andrew Lee Lamp. My son Andy died May 25th 2011 of a drug overdose. My life as I knew it ended that day. Andy was an addict. He fought so hard to overcome his addiction. He just couldn't do it. he was so smart and witty. Andy could name almost every type of tree there was just by looking at it. I mean really, who can do that? On March 9th 2011 Andy did the most courageous thing he had ever done in his life. He gave me his two boys to raise. He knew he and their mom could not take care of them. I am proud to be his mother. Andy your boys are wonderful and they talk about you every day. They love you more than you could ever know, confident that you are out there looking after them. They are strong and brave. I will never let them forget you. I love you precious son.

William Joseph Sullivan Jr. (Billy) (Widge) 3-8-1972 to 7-4-2014 We love you Billy. Rest in peace Brother. We miss not getting to know you as a young a adult. You are and will be thought of often and missed. Love always, Your brothers and sister

To Arlee Baros from Amelia. I never really had a opportunity to share my life with you, but only in spirit.

To all who suffer the loss of their child. I am another mom who has lost my one and only daughter, Allison, at the age of 27, and to a drug overdose. The drugs won and she lost her battle with addiction. She was in her bed in her apartment and died. It's been almost three years and today I cannot be silent. Today unfortunately someone else's child will also lose their life as a result of a drug overdose. Hoping to share in my daughter Allison's memory, I wish you all my sympathies for these are tragic losses, which no one can deny are epidemic in their numbers. It's a day of Remembrance, but it needs to be a time to take a stand against drug importing, and pharmaceuticals not being controlled. Our children are paying with their lives for the greed of others. Addiction is a disease brought on by drugs and the combinations are killing without discrimination. Let us not be silent.

My dear sweet friends...all gone too soon...Frank, Nadine, Louise and my sweet Mother in Law Bernie...life would be better if you were all still here....all addicted...all seeking help...all never complying with the program...all defiant...i stand here with almost 6 years plus clean and sober and i can tell you this...life in recovery is better then life in the dirt...rest in peace.

My sweet nephew.  Where to begin,  I do not know, but how I feel,  I sure do know.   Every waking hour to every single day, my heart  holds onto the handprint  you imprinted in my heart.  Your beatiful smile,  your loving hugs,  your warm heart, kissing your cheek, that is what I hold inside my heart.  I love you,  I miss you, I will never forget you.   Until we hug, smile and kiss on the cheek once again,   "Fly high my sweet Angel, for you are forever in my heart."

Brady lost his battle with addiction almost 8 weeks ago. My life will never be the same. He will be forever missed and loved by so many. Peace and Love to all the families suffering.   #GoneToSoon #Forever24 @AddictToAngel

Joseph turner. 2-21-1982. 8-25-2015 Andover

Today my family laid to rest a beautiful soul, gone too soon due to crystal meth. It also just so happens to me national overdose awareness day... every single last one of us are beyond heart broken, and a little angry. But despite it all,  he was such a sharp, intelligent man, taken too soon at the age of 28. Rest in peace jerm. Wish god wouldn't have called you back home so soon.

My husband Michael carey Jr passed away from an overdose on 5/15/15 Michael was the love of my life. He was  a good man with a heart of gold the best father husband son friend anyone could have. If i have learned anything from this it is that are Drugs powerful enough to destroy everything in its way please get help another wife mother daughter son should not have to bury their loved one over drugs!!! Awareness, reach out ,educate yourself  you always think it won't be you .In living memory of Michael carey Jr xoxoxo

Harris Lee Wittels 4/20/1984 to 2/19/2015 Thanks for the laughs. You dedicated your all too short life to making people happy both in your career and in your heart. You left so many broken hearts behind. I hear the word you invented, "humblebrag", used all the time now and I am always amazed that my precious Harris invented a word! You did leave a great legacy and I am grateful for that but you had so much more left to do. Missing you each and everyday. If only I could say "I love you" just one more time. Your mom

Remembering my darling Erif - forever loved and missed.

Northwich, Cheshire, United Kingdom

In honor of my beautiful son, who has struggled with heroin addiction for the last year, in and out of rehab.. but is now in college. I'm so incredibly lucky, so grateful. There's not a single day that goes by that I don't think of this horrible crisis and all those young souls we've lost to heroin. I wish Chicago would respond to the crisis appropriately, with as much energy and determination as the drug dealers.

Bubby, it's been almost 6 years since that Halloween morning that you lost your battle with addiction. Feels like yesterday. You weren't just my brother, you were my best friend also. I miss you every single minute of every single day. Clint inman 10-31-2011 Muncie, Indiana USA

Eddie Gutierrez, More than 20+ years have passed and you are thought of each and every day. It’s So Unfair! I wish you were here with us. I miss you and you’re NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN. Love, your little sister Rachel.

It has been just over a month...June 22 is a day I will never forget. We talked on the phone and ended with I love yous. Never in a million years could I have imagined that would be the last time I would ever hear your voice. You chose heroin that night....why? You told me you were happy and not doing drugs. Every time I wanted to believe you. That is because I love you and wanted happiness for you. Now there is no happiness...just lots and lots of tears. I know you struggled with addiction... I just never thought I would lose you. I hate drugs. I love you Garnett and I miss you every minute of every day. You are forever in my heart.

It has been a mere few months since you left us on May 21,2013 yet everyday I feel the pain as though it just happened. Alyssa was a beautiful 20 yr old who we were blessed to have as a daughter and sister. Her smile was big, her laugh and her heart bigger. She has left a huge hole in our family that of course will never be filled. She fought her disease for 3 long years but in the end it took her life. As a family we will continue to advocate and educate.... your death will not be in vain. We know you are in a safe place with no pain, no suffering and look forward to being reunited with you someday. Love and miss you so much Lys xoxoxx <3 Mom, Dad and Jamison

In memory of the brightest star, kindest heart, strongest spirit I have ever known...my beautiful baby boy...RJ Boudreau Jr <3 9/18/1990-11/5/2012 I love you and miss you so much...life is so empty without you. Love, Mom

We are so lucky to have had our brilliant and beautiful daughter, Isabella, for 20 years. We love you, Bella!

Saint Louis, Missouri, US

In remembrance of my beautiful daughter, Kaitlin who passed away on 7/12/14 from an accidental overdose. She was in active recovery and died from methadone toxicity. She was receiving treatment at a Methadone Clinic in Stamford, CT. Kaitlin was a beautiful person filled with love for everyone. She was our firstborn of four children. We are all broken hearted. September 2nd would be her 30th. You are loved and missed. There are no words to describe the intensity of pain over losing her. She will forever be 28.

Eric, bud... hard to believe it's been a year and a half since I received news of your OD. You fought a long battle of heroin addiction for seven years and was sober for the two that I knew you. I think about you everyday, the good times we had together and the memories that will last until we meet again. I wonder if I had called would you still be here but that's something I can't blame myself forever, you fought a long hard battle and I can never express how proud I am to have impacted your life as much as you did mine in the short time we knew each other. I love and miss you so much bud, I know you're looking down and smiling at me everyday.

I finally found the man I never knew I was waiting my whole life for. I lost him to heroin seven months later. I had no idea he was using again. I hate that he was suffering so. I wish I'd known. I might have been able to help. Kentucky/Ohio, USA

You were a loving compassionate father, son, brother, and friend. No words can describe the full extent of the pain we are enduring from ur sudden loss. You did so well your 3 years clean. The pain of losing my brother and best friend is hard to bare. Your encouraging words and wisdom are surly missed. If only I could rewind the time. Your daughter truly misses her daddy and talks about u often. I will continue to remind her of your love for her, and keep her memories alive. Rip 9-13-86 4-26-16

To my precious son, Ricky, I am so proud of you for becoming a Marine because you wanted to. I am so proud of you for going to Afghanistan and fighting for my freedom because you wanted to. I am so saddened to lose you. I will never ever be OK again. I know you were struggling with PTSD and staying numb to deal with that. I am so disappointed that the VA would give you Benzo's after being released from the VA hospital for alcohol withdrawal. I am so disappointed that your were also able to get hydrocodone and had 2 others with you the night you overdosed and no one called for help. You have a beautiful little girl (Madi) that will never know her daddy. She has a void in her heart and doesn't even know that yet. Your life was just beginning at age 23 to die. I as your mom have a hole in my heart that will never be filled until we are together again. I love you Ricky, Mom