International Overdose Awareness Day

The world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

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Hosting or attending an International Overdose Awareness Day event is a powerful way to join together to remember those who lost their lives to overdose.

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

Remember a lost loved one

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

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Tributes to lost loved ones

My beautiful son! You are my sunshine Don ! My thoughts and prayers are with you every day. It was a beautiful journey we shared. I am so sorry I lost you I know your soul still lives on. But mama misses you. Until we meet again I love you

Don

MY 26 yr. Old daughter Leah Dianne Biggs lost her life on May 15th,2016.Overdose.We buried her on May 24 2016. Please do all you can to save your sons or daughters or any family member. God Bless

Diana

In remembrance of, my best friend, Devin Christopher Barnes 12/31/1984 - 05/12/2019 I miss you deeply, my love. I miss laughing and smiling with you on the daily, but as each day passes, I get closer to seeing you again and I can’t wait. We will be jamming to music and running the roads in heaven. Lots of love, your Goosy Baby Posted 26/06/2019

Amy

My youngest and only, son Justin "Buddy" Pratt was a cute, blonde headed little boy who could make you mad one minute and laughing the next. Buddy loved the outdoors and had a grin that melted my heart. He will be remembered and missed every second of every day. His life and death has saved lives through the non-profit organization Buddy's Purpose that was started to bring awareness and education to our communities. Mom Loves you Bud your forever in my heart and on my mind! Cherry IL 61317

Lori Brown

My cousin Neil died 28/3/16 due to an overdose, you weren't just my cousin you were my best friend, and I miss and love you so much, I made a video for your birthday with so many happy memories in it, hurts so much to know to that I can't talk to you as we were always there for one and other. Everyone misses you so much esp your mum, brothers, nana and also your 2 kids. Everytime I hear your fave songs I can't stop crying but I listen to them and picture your smile, and the selfie we took at new year Siobhan printed it off for me, and a tiny one for my purse. Until we meet again your loving cousin Carol Anne xxxxxxxx❤️❤️❤️❤️Xxxxx

Carol Anne

My sweet son Josh, My heart breaks everyday without you. I'm so sorry I felt you could just stop using . I have learned since your death that it was much more powerful than you could conquer on your own. I know you didn't want to die and wasn't aware that horrible day on June 23 would be your last. I also know that you were not aware it was fentenyl. When you left most of my heart went with you. I promise to raise your son, my grandson to know how much you dearly loved him. He misses you so much. Watch over us my angel . I'll get through this because I know we'll all be together again for eternity. Keep the signs coming we need them . Josh's momma

Posted 19/07/2018

Cindy M

Fernando i miss you!!!!!!!!!! its going on a month that you went to heaven and stopped suffering i think of you everyday

Gustavo

My friend Joe fought a long and hard battle against the disease of addiction. Joe was a very down to earth guy. He had an awesome sense of humor. R.I.P. Bro. Joseph Jennings March 18, 1969-January 2, 2015 Posted 16/06/2019

Peter (Pistol)

I deeply honour and respect to the mourn souls who die to overdose. We need a strong awareness campagn throughout the world about overdose management and freely available of nalaxone.

Posted 12/07/2018

Ajitshwor

In memory of my friends, comrades and colleagues who have passed away through overdose: Tom Djordevic, Gillian, the man in the laundry in Crown St, Mark Francezoff, Johnny Sideburns, Tony Goswell, Shaun Sullivan, Dave Oliver, Richard Terry, Simon Smith, John Tesoreiro, Chris Aldamez, Vicki Smith, Wayne Russell, Rex Underwood, John Standen And especially Karen Walters. Mother of our daughter Polly; mother of Christopher, Euridyce and John Henry. I miss you greatly.

Patrick

My brother Sam Richert died of a heroin overdose February 4, 2015. I just wanna say I miss you Sammy every second of every single day.

Beth

I'm on to it all, I will never give up on the truth and seeking justice for you, I will search and I will find the people, the idiots who did this to you, and I will bring them to account. Yes I'm mad, mad angry!! My goal is justice, because there just isn't any! I hope I get sick, don't have to take my own life, but it isn't a life without you my heart and soul are broken, I know how you felt, but didn't mean to die. In the wrong company, or without any company, people in this life will kill you.

Michele

Shannon Henderson..age 26, overdosed on heroin. My great sister, a mother, daughter, and best friend. Never forgotten and always loved in our hearts! Love and miss you shannon! Rest easy for one day we will see each other again! Love you 💘 Louisville, ky

Mmh

My niece Amanda was only 22 years old when she overdosed. She had struggled with drugs for a couple of years. She has tried to get Cottam a couple of times, but it never stuck. My son was a herion addict also. Rhett both had become consumed by the world of herion. They both became homeless. But they stuck together like always they were best friends from birth. In July of 2015 Amanda did herion without my son. She was with some unknown people and overdosed. She was found in the woods face down, unconscious. They did everything they could but after her parents found out shaggy was brain dead, they let her go. This tragedy has left a Niue hole in many people's hearts. She was a beautiful girl with a lot to give. Her light burned out way to so because of this awful drug. Herr passing has taught us about life. It has taught my best friend and my son they don't want to do that anymore there is another way. If we can lastminute.com from these life's that have been burned out way to soon than their not in vain. I love and miss you Amanda I will think of you always and remember your smile beauty and fun personality. Thank you for blessing me with your life. With all my love

Jolene

Sean,
You were an amazing person who fought a horrible demon that ended up taking your life and continues to haunt the streets of the world. Your two boys and I miss you everyday and everyday there isn't a moment we don't think of you and wish you were here. You were an amazing person who didn't deserve this.
You will always have my heart and I will never forget who you truly were.

Love you, Sam

Carson City NV

Samantha Perry

Forever on my mind, Always in my heart ❤️ I miss you kiddo forever 24 Mason Crisp 4-13-17

Rachel

Valerie F.K. I think of you often and where you with me to many events. I miss you so very much. I wish things had been different and you could have made it through the trying time you left this world. Val you will live on in my heart forever. Your friend for life and beyond.

Selena

Chris... I miss you every day and I’m sure I always will. I just wanted to post something because I have a lot of pain in my heart since fentynol has taken you away. I love you brother. You’re the best man I ever knew.

Posted 14/08/2018

Emily

To my much missed sister Nancy, I love and miss you so much. You will always be in my heart and thoughts forever. Love, Cindy

Cindy Dewey

.My friend Les died 15 years ago but after an accidental overdose of pain meds. He suffered terrible migraines for many years but fought bravely . Worked with his Dr doing any new treatments they developed and taking regular medication as prescribed. Then one day he learned his dad had a terminal illness. He was already in a lot of pain that day but this news added to that.. To deal with the pain he kept taking his meds, not realizing how much he was taking. Later that day he was found unconscious in his bedroom and shortly thereafter he died. The worst thing was that the police said it was suicide but I know it wasn't. Because it was deemed suicide, his family didn't get his insurance. So sad. And his dad actually lived about ten years more. Les was a wonderful man. He raised animals and was devoted to his parents. He meant to alot to me and many others.

Posted 08/07/2018

Liz

In loving memory of my son Josh who lost his battle 8/24/17. You are loved and missed every day. There is too little help for those afflicted and too little education for their loved ones trying to help them. Josh was loving, funny, smart, determined young man. He never stopped trying to get better and he loved his family. The loneliness and shame only serves to make the addiction worse. Josh we love you forever, til we meet again Mom Posted 21/08/2019

Sandra Mammay

Christian: There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t wish you were here with us. We miss you more and more each day. So sad that his happened to you. Love Caden, Mom and Dad, Charlene Josh Marcus and Olivia. Posted 18/07/2019

Mercedes

Honoring my 1st born son who lost his battle with addiction to an accidental overdose on 3-12-20. Not a single day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you and my heart will forever have a piece missing until we meet again. We love you and are so very sorry! J.j.’s mom & dad Forever 31 5-27-88 to 3-12-20

Vicki

RIP Timothy Kyle Frazier (1981-2021). Kyle was an amazing person. He was a multi-talented. A father, a brother, a musician, singer, songwriter, carpenter, fisherman, hiker, a kayaker. Kyle leaves behind a 3-year-old, and 16-year-old son. Kyle struggled with addiction on and off for most of his life. He had been out of rehab for only a few days when he overdosed. Kyle will be missed immensely. We love you Kyle.

Caleb

Allen, you were so full of life, so much fun to be around and your smile was infectious! I'll never forget the day we met. Your sister, Tina introduced us and your first words to me were, "well hello there beautiful". It seems it was love at first sight for the both of us. You became my world and the love of my life!! How could I not see what was right in front of me?! Did I just choose not to see? You hid it so well. I was going to marry you and we were supposed to have this beautiful life together. I'll never forget getting a call at work telling me a dear friend had passed away of an overdose and I told you how much it hurt. You watched me grieve my friend and you promised me that you would never hurt me that way! I was worried about your drinking but baby I had no idea you were taking recreational drugs. We were supposed to be together!!! Now seventeen years later, on 02/18/2020 I still mourn and grieve you. I will forever love you and this 🦋 tattoo I got after you passed away will always be a reminder of you and what might have been. I'll see you on the other side my love. Posted 19/02/2020

Meredith

To my baby boy RJ, always in my heart, always on my mind. You will never be forgotten. 2/28/1985-5/24/2015- forever 30. I miss you so much

Alpharetta, Georgia-USA

Sue Swinson

In loving memory of my beautiful daughter, Brittany Brooks Guleff, forever 24. She left behind 2 beautiful grandchildren. Always remembered, never forgotten. She is my shining star! We all miss and love you forever❤️ West Blocton, AL USA

Pam

This is in honor of my son Jay Gioffre jr whose just made some really bad choices. Born 10/28/88. Crossed over 06/23/15. You are forever in my heart!

Katherine

I lost my son Tayler on October 28, 2015 do to accidental overdose. He was only 21 years old. It was a combination of fentanyl patch and xanex. I lost a piece of my heart and soul that day. I miss him every day. He had his whole life ahead of him. He was loving , caring he had the most contagious laugh. He left an impression on every one he met. I wish that people would be better educated on what the effects of combining drugs can do to a person and their families

Brooklyn ny

Lisa hoff

Please, rest easy L.
Someone do something about this awful drug overdose epidemic. It'll affect you soon if it hasn't.

Posted 12/03/2019

On this International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2022 I would like to pay tribute to my son Bryan Schreyer age 32 who died of an overdose on October 25 2021. He succumbed to his substance abuse disorder after 10 years of fighting " the beast" to be the man he wanted to be. Bryan was a compassionate soul, funny, and articulate. His friends and family miss their " talks" with him. He loved disc golfing and the electronic music scene with his brother and other friends. He loved sports of all kinds and was a veritable walking encyclopedia of sports trivia. It was an amazing experience to enjoy any sporting event by his side. Bryan had so much potential that was never realized, it makes my heart ache to think about all he missed out on and is missing now as our family lives on without him. I know where he is and I know he is free from the chains of his addiction and is experiencing an immense amount of love but I feel so much regret and sorrow. This pandemic of drug addiction is real! Even though Bryan had stretches of sobriety we felt the reality of the grip addition has and the consequential anxiety everyday for the past 10 years. With the introduction of Fentynyl into the drug world it has been increasingly scary for any addict . I hope that these " awareness days" will get more people to agree to get the help they need. I do want to pay tribute also to the professionals in the addition treatment world that worked with Bryan over the years and helped us understand and cope with this devastating disease.

Jennifer

My one and only sibling, Carlos Ramos, passed away to a heroin and Percocet overdose. My mom found my brother unconscious. Although 911 was called he was pronounced dead. That day my life changed. He was a loving brother, son and uncle. R.I.P baby brother, you're gone but never forgotten.

Vimarie Prieto

We talked about her going to a rehab two weeks before she accidently overdosed. We drove by it in the car and I told her she should go there and get help. I remember asking her if she knew how we would feel if something happened to her and how we wouldn't have her anymore. She said she knew and would try to stop. Two weeks later she died. She was never able to quit or get help. She left behind 4 kids and a grandson who loved her dearly. Posted 23/07/2019

Alyssa Brown

Morsa Spidle You passed away December 7th 2018. It kills me to write this. I am truly sorry for the pain you went through. I tried and you only know. Your boys love you and miss you so much. Jude makes sure we pray for you every night. Your life on earth was not in vain. Your smile and humor is in Jude. Your way of thinking and being sarcastic is in Jowen. I Thank You for the 2 blessings you gave me and Thank you for the time we shared as a family. You will always be missed and never forgotten. We love you! and miss you dearly. DILAW Posted 11/07/2019

Dilaw

My son,💜Anthony Scott💜, was tempted one last time, on 9/26/2017. He is forever 27, forever missed, forever loved, and forever my baby. My heart is shattered and my soul is broken. But I have faith that I will see him again. I love you “Tony Tiger”. Rest In Heaven where you are free from the pain. Posted 01/09/2019

Jill Scott

I overdosed on March 4th 2013. I was only 14. I had overdosed on many pills over 40. I overdosed on my school bus on the way to school. In front of little kids and all my friends. I had no idea what was going on, I just became really dizzy and felt sick to my stomach. Then I fell. My eyes rolled back and everything turned black. Then I heard the ambulance guy say: "She's a cutter," from the scars on my arms. I got to the hospital and they had to pump my stomach. I passed out again. I was legally dead for 2 minutes. I had to stay in the ICU for a week or so because my liver wasn't doing well. They thought I was going to have to have a liver transplant and they knew I was going to be at the bottom of the list because no-one wants to give an addict a body part they will just abuse again. My doctor wanted me to go to rehab. He said it would be best, so I went. (The rehab) was hell. I went for a little over 3 months.

Ryleigh

It’s been 2 yrs. ago July 5 you left us.. I miss you every day and think about you every second. Your son is getting so big you would be so proud of him he is so smart. Melissa is doing well, she is married to a good man I hope. I wish you were still here rest in heaven my baby boy until I see you again. Posted 18/07/2019

Ruby

In memory of my son, Jonathan Pattison. Love never dies.

Deep River, ON

leona morley

I lost my only sibling, John Page on January 29, 2016. He died of lethal combination of heroin and benzodiazapine. John will forever be missed.

Posted 05/12/2018

Heidi Page

In memory of those I've lost to drugs, mainly heroin, and to those battling addiction right now.

Jenny

In memory of my grandson, Cory Williams - July 27, 1991 - May 26, 2019 - he'll always be in my heart.

Alice

My dearest, Ryan. In a few months it will be 3 years since you’ve been gone from this world and moved on to everlasting peace. I feel comfort in knowing you are finally free. It still doesn’t help me from crying often and thinking of you every day, but it does help in some way. I just miss the hell out of you! I love you always, and thank you for my dragonflies and butterflies that first summer 💜

Posted 12/07/2018

Melissa

Dear Jake, the holidays are just around the corner. We all miss you so much, and are trying to get on with our lives. What I miss most is the old time country music you loved to listen to. Please rest in Peace. And for those reading this Heroin kills-pass that message on. 6/25/79- 7/6/2014.

Momma

Tomorrow will remember Landon Sparks, 12/27/88 - 08/15/2017, taken from us to soon! We will always be your voice! Sometimes you're on top, Stay Humble. Sometimes you hit a low, Stay Hopeful! May you all rest easy! I love you son.

Lisa

Walter Mouldin 07/02/91 ~ 01/15/18 My First Born My Best Friend My Biggest Supporter My Greatest Accomplishment I Miss You... Every Single Second Of Every Single Minute Of Every Single Hour Of Every Single Day “May Love Be What You Remember Most” ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Posted 10/05/2019

DeAnna Shultz

On June 21st 1981 a bright and beautiful soul came to this earth to make her mother smile or so we thought, But on July 13 2016 the brightness that was kassaundra Elizabeth Marze Kovac was forever darkened and her mom now no longer knows how to smile the same way. As you see the lure of instant happiness sold to her in a substance created to make her feel something nothing everything! became something she just couldn't break away from, she could not stop listening to the lies it told her over and over . That whispered to her so much louder than any of the screams of those whom loved her tried to tell her a different truth the drugs lied and told her using a drug was the only solution to any problem life threw at her and that the only thing that mattered and loved her was the drugs. Once she heard the lies that drugs told her she no longer heard a different truth. A truth that SCREAMED LOUD ON DEAF EARS that using drugs doesn't have to be the only thing that defines ones life that there can be a life without the drugs and that people who have the disease of addiction can live a life worth living without having to use the drugs and that they can recover and that they matter even if their life are messy they would still be worthy of life and have the ability to make a loved one smile simply because they exist . But drugs deafen and blind make those we love unable to sometimes hear that we would love them no matter what that we could never hate them, but we will always hate the drugs that stole them away . And the legacy forever will be that they died to soon and took with them the the brightness of a mother's once easily made smile .

Fran

Our son Roy lost his 4yr battle with opioid addiction at the age of 29. Our family will never be the same. His baby sister will marry without her big brother there, our hearts are forever pained. We miss him so much and have many regrets of words spoke out of fear and frustration. Oh but to have one day to tell you how much we love you Roy. Until I see your sweet face and hold you in my arms May God keep you . Mom

Carollyn

My son Michael was in rehab 2 times and also on suboxne. He came home Nov 26, 2016 from his last rehab stay in California! I told my other son that I thought his brother had finally beat this demon!.! He died the next day 1/11/16 of heroin fetanal overdose!!

Brenda

This is Leigha Andrzejak Stokes - beautiful, loving, kind daughter, sister, friend and mother! She is missed every single day. She loved her daughter more than anything in this world and was always there to give you a hug, advice or just tell you everything will be alright. Sadly, she lost her life and battle with addiction in June 2017 at the young age of 35. We love you Leigha - love all your friends and family.

Lydia

On June 22nd of this year, my world came crashing down. My 43 year old father had passed away in his sleep due to an accidental overdose. He was in a lot of a pain and was on tons of medicine. My father lost his leg at a very young age and had battled with the detrimental health effects up until he passed. Yesterday was his birthday and it didn't seem right to not be sharing a cherry cheesecake or cracking jokes about him getting older. My family and I released some balloons for him and as they were drifting off, my 7 year old nephew says, "I bet he can see them by now." In that moment, I truly knew that my father was at peace and no longer in pain. It's amazing the effects a child can have on you. Rest in peace, Dad. We love and miss you more and more every day.

A daughter

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31^stAugust

International Overdose Awareness Day

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Get involved

Campaign resources

Remember a lost loved one

Donate

Tributes to lost loved ones

Posted 19/07/2018

Posted 12/07/2018

Posted 14/08/2018

Posted 08/07/2018

Posted 05/12/2018

Posted 12/07/2018

The overdose epidemic is everyone's problem, but it's being left to a small group to step up.

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31st August

International Overdose Awareness Day

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Get involved

Campaign resources

Remember a lost loved one

Donate

Tributes to lost loved ones

Posted 19/07/2018

Posted 12/07/2018

Posted 14/08/2018

Posted 08/07/2018

Posted 05/12/2018

Posted 12/07/2018

The overdose epidemic is everyone's problem, but it's being left to a small group to step up.

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31^stAugust