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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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

Stefania "Goose" Gone too soon, gone too young. We will not forget you. Your passing is not in vain.

Anna

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

My brothers both passed from addiction. Roger from liver failure and Greg nov 9 2018 And Dad from Liver in February 2018 all 3 in 3 yrs. I read everyone's posts and seems like a lot of accidents overdosed and on purpose. Im stuck wondering which his was. He was clean right before and said he felt great that happens and passes fast then to use. Im on Methadone trying to stay pain pill free almost 18 yrs and still being told im replacing one for another omg well I can say IM ALIVE AND GRATEFUL FOR MY PROGRAM God Im thankful for the mercury you've shown me. Its Gregs birthday Roger's birthday was 10th and Im just missing all of you

Posted 13/12/2018

melisa

To my dear friend Jamie- you were taken from us far too soon. I still miss you and love you with all my heart. It has been 22 years since you passed away from a heroin overdose, but sometimes it feels like yesterday. I have learned to live without you, only because I have had no choice. Love always, Dee Dee Posted 20/08/2019

Denise

Bryan Nicholas Schaffer, 2/4/1989-12/5/2017 In a few months we will be without you for a full year. We will never get over losing you, but are forever grateful for the years we had you. Your smile will always be remembered as one that just made someones day better, and then if they were lucky enough to get a Bryan hug,which you were quite generous with, then they were even better for that. No matter what you were going through, you tried to bring something good to those around you. We will do whatever it takes to help those still fighting and recovering from this horrible disease of addiction. I'm sorry doesn't cover the pain felt in the depths of my soul that I couldn't help you. Your brothers and sisters miss you terribly, Abby misses you.We miss you, we love you and we will never forget you and the imprint you made on us and your little corner of the world. Until we meet again in God's kingdom, Mom.

Posted 31/08/2018

Peggy Schaffer

My name is Danielle and on July, 28 2013 his name was Kevin Michael McNeal he was 28 years old. He left behind me, son and a daughter. He was a great son, father,brother and husband. He was so much more than an addict he was the most gentle and lovable man a person could meet.

Cincinnati,ohio

Danielle

My dearest dad miss u each and every day got taken from 12 years ago miss u lots not a day goes by at all without a thought of u xxx

Ashleigh

My fiance, my love, my partner, my best friend, you were only 34 when you made a choice that took your life and left me alone and heartbroken. I will forever love you and never could I forget or replace you, nothing seems right or makes sense any more. I miss you more everyday and wish I could bring you back to stay. I love you Charlie and I hope when I get there you will be waiting for me and a beautiful day that will be .All my love sweetheart, until we meet again. ~Lisa

Lisa

To our beautiful boy, Rudy, who lost his battle with his demons on October 24, 2019. Rudy was 28 years old...a beautiful soul and a loving son, brother and nephew. He was a devoted friend who lived his short life with joy and gusto. We lost you far too soon, my beautiful boy...I pray that you are free from your suffering now and filled with the peace that you were searching for. You are forever in our hearts.

Donna

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

Amelia Murphy

grover you will always be remembered 7/1978 - 6/2007

pam

Too many too soon, Johnny, James, Jack, Matthew, Mark, Ellie, Zak....the list goes on. Please watch over all those still battling this horrific disease. Pray the the people in power in this country STOP THE STIGMA and make long term rehabilitation accessible to ALL. 🙏🏻

Palm Beach County

JeanneMarie

TO MY FIRST LOVE EDDIE, I ALWAYS WILL REMEMBER ALL THE CONCERTS WE WENT TO ALL THOSE DAYS WE SPENT TOGETHER ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR SON WAS BORN EVERY DAY ITS A BRAND NEW START BUT MY PAIN OF LOSING YOU JUNE 16 2018 WAS THE WORST DAY ESPECIALLY WHEN I GOT THE PHONE CALL ON JULY 14TH 2018 SAYING YOU HAD DIED YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED AND MISSED BY EVERY ONE ESPECIALLY ME YOU JUST WASN'T ONLY MY FIRST LOVE MY HUSBAND MY BEST FRIEND AND IT HURTS THAT U ARE NO LONGER HERE EVERY DAY I LOOK AT YOUR PICTURE AND CRY BECAUSE I MISS YOU SO MUCH YOU HELPED ME IN SO MANY WAYS BECAUSE OF YOU I HAVE TO SAY THANK YOU YESTERDAY WAS OUR SONS 24TH BIRTHDAY EDDIE I LOVE YOU ALWAYS MISSED AND LOVED BY EVERY ONE ESPECIALLY ME YOUR LOVING WIFE ALWAYS AND FOR EVER RUTHANN

Posted 06/03/2019

Ruthann

To Pascal. I will always remember you. Love

Alexandra

To my brother Michael grochowski who died of alcohol poisoning on October 14, 1993 at the young age of 41. Mike lost his battle with his demons years ago when he first started smoking pot in HS. Unfortunately Michael and I didn't get along and it got progressively worse when he turned to heroin. Omg he became crazed but I loved my big brother. There was something we had in common..we were both adopted to great parents. After my Dad had to go into a nursing home due to Parkinson's disease we both lost it. And when our beloved mother Anne died on July 4, 1992 neither one could handle losing our beloved mother. A little over a year Michael moved to Tucson was off heroin but he turned to drinking. I was living in Florida and I received a message from our Mom's lawyer that said "Michael was dead. Call our office" I thought for sure that my Dad also named Michael had died. I had a friend call the nursing home only to be told that my Dad Michael was fine. I thought that it was some kind of mix-up. Unfortunately I was wrong. My handsome, intelligent big brother Michael "drank himself to death". I talked to the ER doctor who treated him and she told me coldly "your brother drank himself to death and he died a terrible death"...charming doctor right? But then I thought she had seen all the track marks that I saw on his body when I was getting him admitted to rehab years ago. He was wearing one of those awful hospital gowns and I noticed all the track marks on his arms, legs. In between his toes every where on his body and I cried. The doctor just thought he was just a worthless junkie but Michael wasn't. He was very intelligent and got a Bachelor's degree in psychology. He became a social worker, he played the guitar and drums, he could cook..plus Michael had so many friends!! He was an extrovert and I was an introvert. What I found out was that Michael started playing guitar in a band and he was introduced to the "devil's drug..heroin". It was awful watching him suffer from withdrawals and it got scary for me to be around him when was on Heroin. I don't remember how many times he tried to kill me.. running after me with an axe, injecting my food and drinks with God only knows what. The last time I saw my brother alive was the day I was flying back to Florida and Michael was gaunt, always mumbling and before I left I begged him to come to Florida with me we would both go to rehab together. Unfortunately I flew home to Florida and he drove to Tucson. Since he had no contacts he had to go cold turkey cross country as his wife drive. I knew the hell he went thru and 6 months after our Mom died my big brother, my only sibling died if alcohol poisoning..6 months later on our Mom's birthday!! Anyway I forgive you Michael and I pray you are at peace now. You are in Heaven with both our parents. Love you Michael..6/18/52 - 10/14/93. RIP your sister Always... Martha

Martha

We will be thinking about all those affected by overdose in the weeks leading up to the 31 August and hoping for more thought and caring in the future.

Beulah Cafe Banff Scotland

Daddy, I can't believe you're gone. I know how hard you fought your addiction your entire life. I am so proud of you for your 24 years alcohol free. The last 7 months that we got to spend together when you were clean were the best months of my life. I'm so glad you got to dance with me at my wedding. I will never know why you relapsed and will always wonder if there was anything I could have done. I will pray every day that you know how much I love you. Please always be with me.

Biggest Goob

My son Ryan John Moylan (30) lost his battle with addiction on 6/11/16. My son left behind 2 children Cayden 12 and Ryan 6 and Nick 11 his bonus son. I grieve everyday for my son and my tears wil never stop. Everyday I fought to keep him alive only to lose him because 2 people didn't call 911. Although he was an addict he was a good person and would help anyone.i will miss his goofy smile and treasure the time I had with him.. Rest in heave my sweet boy and have fun with Grandma?????

Patricia

Edward Hunter III (poops)

Amy

My sweet cousin Michael. You were one of the funniest people I know. I think most people who knew you would say that, and also what an amazing artist you were. You achieved huge goals at such a young age. I'm sorry you had to live with the torment of addiction and the pain it caused. I believe you're at peace now. We miss you. I love you.

Kelly

My sweet Ed, Almost five months have gone by and there is not a second of the day where I do not think of you and your beautiful heart. I miss you so much, sweetheart, I love you and I will until the day we meet again.

Elizabeth

Missing your smile and your tender ways. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. You have gone to a place where there is no worries and no problems. You are gone but the love is there in our hearts
Gone but never forgotten.

Stoughton, Ma.USA

Barbara Edmondson

In loving memory of my beautiful daughter Amanda Angelucci who lost her battle with addiction on October 1, 2015. I miss you every second of every day. I miss your larger-than-life personality your smile your laughter your presence. You are now forever at peace in the arms of The Lord. Sleep with angels baby girl until we meet again. Love You. Forever Amanda's mom?

Tina

I would like to remember and honor my son, Travis Dean Brown, who died of a heroin overdose on June, 14, 2016. Travis was a beautiful soul - one of kindest people on earth. He struggled with addiction and tried hard to overcome his addiction. Self medicating for depression and the need to feel loved and accepted. The heroin won. I feel so sad to have lost the boy of my heart.

Kathy

Rich we miss you so much,. Amber and RJ also miss you . Rest in peace my son Love you, hugs and kisses from all

Millersville, Md.

Richard and Blanche Dymond

Simon, we met in kindergarten and went through primary school together. When we met, your mother had just died of an overdose as well as my father. We made it all the way to high school, then we too fell into our parents path. Just after I couldn't deal with addiction anymore and tried so hard to leave this earth, you came and sat with me in hospital. The day I left the hospital, you said " I will see you again soon", but a few years later, with a broken heart, you too overdosed after staying clean for so many years. Your blue eyes and blonde hair, cheeky smile and vulgar mouth will always stay close to my heart, even though I feel like punching you so hard. May wherever it is that yo may be, please be in peace.

Cass

Four days from today, I will lay my mother to rest. I am the oldest of seven children and we lost our mother at the age of 39 on Saturday, August 6, 2016. We lost her to an accidental overdose of alcohol and her narcotics- Words can't describe how numb I feel even typing these words. She was full of laughter and fun. She always loved making people laugh.. Especially with her sarcasm. We are currently waiting on my Navy sister to come home so that she can lay our mother to rest with the rest of us. Mom, this is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You were the strongest woman I know and I really need you to send me down some strength. I need it for grandma, who lost you before your time. For your siblings who can only hold onto the memories you left them. And for my younger siblings with whom you left questioning the rest of their lives. We love you so much more than you loved yourself. We always have. We always will.

Tristan

"Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears...but laugh and talk of me, as though I were beside you. I loved you so.....'Twas Heaven here with you" Shawnie... I thought we'd have more time. It will be a whole year on Sept. 30 that we lost you to a heroin overdose. Now we're left without you, missing you every second of every day my ninja turtle. Your struggle wasn't your identity. And it doesn't define the beautiful 22 years you gave to the world. That beautiful heart that loved so fiercely and was loved so fiercely in return. That smile that lit up the world and that laugh....that famous contagious laugh that made everyone laugh too. I always thought that I gave you life Shawn, but you gave me life and love and laughter. I am so blessed I got the chance to be your mom for 22 years. My Shawnie, we will always celebrate your beautiful life, love and laugh. Nicky and Jess and all of your many friends honor you and celebrate you every day by making your gravesite a rock star memorial. I love the never-ending tributes that are left there for you and the way your many friends just drop by to hang out there with you day and night. It's an amazing tribute. I love how you're the only one in the cemetery who doesn't have grass. You have confetti. Who wouldn't want confetti instead of grass? It just shows how much we all love you and how we are always celebrating you. Tupac is probably saying that more "Still I Rise" tattoos are being done for you instead of him. Lol. Shawnie Brawny. Forever 22. Shine on! What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly. You are my butterfly. Till we meet again. I will always love you with every piece of my broken heart. Still I rise. Xoxoxox Mommy

Mommy

To my childhood best friend, my baby sister. I know why you've chosen this path, the pain you have endured and the persistent nightmares of the past that cloud your mind. But drugs are just a bandaide, they won't fix things long term. They may give you temporary peace but I'm scared that they will also take you from us and we will never feel peace again. So I'm writing this in hope that you will come home before its too late, before I find myself writing on this site posting a tribute about your death. Although I can't fight your battles for you, I can promise you that you will never have to face them alone again. So please, "don't let go, keep hold" and remember "If you look into the distance, there's a house upon the hill. Guiding like a lighthouse, its a place where you'll be safe to feel at grace and if you've lost your way - I will leave the light on." Love you forever + always. -DJ. -Tom Walker- Leave a Light On- The second someone mentioned you were all alone I could feel the trouble coursing through your veins Now I know, it's got a hold Just a phone called left unanswered, had me sparking up These cigarettes won't stop me wondering where you are Don't let go, keep a hold If you look into the distance, there's a house upon the hill Guiding like a lighthouse to a place where you'll be Safe to feel at grace 'cause we've all made mistakes If you've lost your way I will leave the light on I will leave the light on I will leave the light on I will leave the light on Tell me what's been happening, what's been on your mind Lately you've been searching for a darker place To hide, that's alright But if you carry on abusing, you'll be robbed from us I refuse to lose another friend to drugs Just come home, don't let go If you look into the distance, there's a house upon the hill Guiding like a lighthouse to a place where you'll be Safe to feel at grace 'cause we've all made mistakes If you've lost your way I will leave the light on I will leave the light on I will leave the light on I will leave the light on I will leave the light on If you look into the distance, there's a house upon the hill Guiding like a lighthouse, it's a place where you'll be Safe to feel at grace and if you've lost your way If you've lost your way (I will leave the light on) And I know you don't know oh, but I need you to be brave Hiding from the truth ain't gonna make this all okay I'll see your pain if you don't feel our grace And you've lost your way I will leave the light on I will leave the light on 'Cause I will leave the light on

Posted 30/08/2018

I miss you every day my sweet brother. I know you are watching over me and all of your friends and family, but it doesn't stop the pain in my heart.

Amanda

To: Kristopher A battle too hard to win. We loved you regardless and lived in hope the day would come where peace would be your friend. So many new adventures to have - we all love you past the dark and miss your beyond... listening to you . Love Mum xxxxxxxxx

Marg, Jaimie, Tezz, Taylor

My boyfriend died from a heroin overdose two years ago, and I can’t seem to get back to myself. Since the day I got the call saying his dad found him alone in his apartment, I have never been the same. The news shattered me. I broke into a million pieces and I have no clue what its like to feel whole again. I don’t know how to explain the feeling of losing everything within the span of a 3 minute phone call. It goes beyond emotional grief, it's an ache that you feel physically. It’s a loneliness that haunts you in everything you do. An emptiness that nags at your soul. It doesn’t leave you, it reminds you at times you wouldn’t expect it. Your heart hurts when you least expect it. Driving past a billboard, or listening to lyrics from a song on the radio. They are always there, and it's hard to decipher whether thats comforting or heart breaking. Time doesn’t wait for you to compartmentalize the grief you feel. Time never stops, even if you beg it too. I used to think it was healing, now it's a reminder of how long its been since you were here. That makes me sad, angry, but mostly scared. Scared that I’m going to forget you entirely, and I don’t want that... I never want that. Hurt makes the most sense when it's recent, then makes you feel crazy with the more time that has passed. I can’t even bring myself to visit your grave, to see where you’re resting forever. Because I know its permanently not with me. I don’t love you any less, which is difficult. I love you just the same even if you don’t exist anymore. Posted 08/04/2019

cake

It's been 5 months since we lost you to this terrible addiction our lives will never be the same without you. Our prayer is that you are safe and happy once again our loss is certainly heavens gain. Your smile will forever be etched on our heart and you our dear Candie will never be forgotten. We will always love you...always!

David and Esther

To: Kim Kim Mitchell died of a drug overdose on April 26th 2011. She was 20 years old and we miss her more than words can say. Kim also suffered from an eating disorder and depression and we believe she was self medicating since the doctors just couldn't get it right. She was a great softball player and she managed the store where she worked and was loved by all. May God watch over you and us and may justice be done. Love Always, Mom, Dad, and brother Brian

Ann, Joe and Brian Mitchell

My kind and talented son Kyle left this world on December 19th, 2019. My son suffered depression and anxiety along with childhood trauma and a life changing work accident when he was twenty-one. In spite of all his challenges he touched so many peoples lives with his kindness, his humor and his music. My son Kyle fought hard to overcome alcohol abuse disorder and had long periods of sobriety. Kyle had started a new job and had so many plans written down but the alcohol abuse disorder took hold again and Kyle quit going into work. He told me he hated himself and I imagine that in his in his state of mind influenced by the alcohol he made the decision to turn to something that would numb some of the pain. Whatever he thought he was getting was not what he got. Pure Fentanyl and Car-fentanyl took my very best friend, my only child. My world is shattered. I love you my son; Kyle Leland Shipp forever thirty three.

Kyle

To my son Brian who died 12/21/12 Autopsy said alcoholism. I am sorry I had not seen nor talked to you for several years due to you choosing to be homeless. I never got to say goodbye. RIP my son

Marlene

In memory of my 21yr old son John who sadly overdosed February 2014...Forever Young!! So sad to read these tributes from brave mums like myself who tried so hard to protect their sons and daughters

West Dunbartonshire Scotland

Mary

I will always love & miss you Amber Olsen! You were my best friend & my first love! I will always remember the good times we had & will never forget you! Till we meet again my love! Posted 06/06/2019

Christopher Catherman

This is to all my friends in the program who have overdosed or died as a result of this disease. I just want to say that miracles do happen too. My husband has overdosed and been pronounced dead 5 times and for some reason god wanted him here still, maybe to meet me. He celebrated two years clean on the 11th of June 2013. He is now a pre-medical student on his way to becoming a doctor!

Olivia

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

To my beautiful son, George David Maras: My Georgie passed away on December 13, 2007,but not a day goes by when he is not in my thoughts, and my heart,from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep at night. My life will never be the same without him, but I believe he is with me all the time. I will love you forever, until we meet again. Mom

Marilyn Maras

Matt was a vivacious 23 year old in February 2012 when he passed away from an overdose. A lover of life and deeply loved by his family and friends. He always brought a smile to your face. He had no use for material belongings. Everything he had he gave away as soon as it was given to him. In a way he knew the secret to life so much more than most of us. It isn't about what we have...but what we do with what we have. He gave himself son freely to the world. Matt was raised in a small rural community and as the saying goes," It takes a village to raise a child", Matt's village shunned him as his addiction turned on him. There wasn't the recovery programs that there are now. There wasn't the community support there is now. So much change has been accomplished since 2012. However we have a long long way to go to master the beast of addiction. I've known his whole life Matt was gonna change the world, but this is not the way it was supposed to happen. I miss my son terribly. Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for his voice and smile. The last time I was with Matt a few hours before he overdosed, he was twirling me in circles and I was laughing so hard as he swung me around. He kept telling me he loved me. How Blessed am I that these were his final words to me. I miss my boy. Please God keep him close. Please tell your loved ones everyday how much you love them.

Matt's Mom

I hate that I know about this day; however, I am very passionate about creating and furthering awareness about this day. The more awareness - the more maybe SOMETHING can be done. Addiction is a horrible disease and when it ends in overdose, it becomes even more tragic. My son CORY WILLIAMS lost his battle of addiction to an overdose in May of 2019. I would like to honor him in this post and send my love to all of those like him and the families that suffered with them. Cory Williams: 7/27/1991 - 5/26/2019 #Endthestigma #Stopthesilence

Jennifer

In memory of my only son, Mark Jeremy Susong, who died at the age of 21 from a heroin overdose on 2/10/12. He will be remembered by us for much more than the way he died. We miss him every minute of every day.

Jill Susong

Hanna was a beautiful vibrant young women. Everyone was so comfortable around her because her deep dimples, contagious smile and bubbly attitude always made everyone and anyone feel welcome. She had so much life left to live, but it was cut short. We don’t know why she had to get caught up in the scary parts of the world, we will never understand but we do know she is no longer suffering and is safe in the arms of Jesus. We miss her dearly and nothing will ever be the same, but we will see her again someday when it’s our time and what a glorious meeting that will be! Hanna Eve 12/31/92-5/25/21 we love you so much!

Alyssa

My darling daughter Nicole Louise. Passed away 5 weeks before your 19th birthday. It has been 25 hard years since you passed awsy. There is not a single day that passes that i dont think about you. Still missing you like crazy.
Eternal love, mum xx

Melbourne Australia

Brenda

In loving memory of our wildflower, Carey Leigh West. 12/4/72-3/16/18. Forever loved, forever missed💜

Janis

Our son Jos . We new it was coming . The struggle for 6 years. The failures , The trials. We miss him so much . Forever 21. 11-23-2011. Posted 01/10/2019

Dawn Ducoli

My beautiful son, Ryan, died on July 31,2021. He died of a massive drug overdose. I have already previously lost my only daughter,Jillian, in 2006 from a fatal car accident. The saddest part of all this, is I never got to say goodbye. My heart is 💔 beyond repair.His loving Mom, Rita

Rita

My sister died March 4, 2017. She had sever borderline personality disorder, she was so unhappy. She took a fentanyl patch from her friend and died. She could've been saved but nobody called for help. She died and my family has been ripped apart, nobody talks to each other now. I miss you Tasha, more than you'd ever know. San Antonio

Hope

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 13/12/2018

Posted 31/08/2018

Posted 30/08/2018

Overdose affects everyone. From grieving families to spontaneous first responders, the impacts of overdose are far-reaching and fall indiscriminately.

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 13/12/2018

Posted 31/08/2018

Posted 30/08/2018

Overdose affects everyone. From grieving families to spontaneous first responders, the impacts of overdose are far-reaching and fall indiscriminately.

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31^stAugust