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.

Get involved

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.

Campaign resources

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

Tributes to lost loved ones

My dear brother passed away on June 5th, 2014- the day before his 45th birthday. He was such an amazing loving person and I sit here almost 9 months after he passed away, still wondering how we can make it in this lifetime without him. He was such a big part of my life, always there when you needed him and just a wonderful person. To lose him over something as stupid as drugs just hurts like there is no tomorrow. He survived cancer to be pulled down by his pain and with the loss of Dad a year before, he struggled everyday and I guess he thought the drugs would help - they never help! Now me and Mom are left here on earth to grieve until we meet again. I love you Jerry, miss you everyday.

Donna

Zach was a loving, friendly, bright, sociable young man. Drugs changed all that. Eventually they took his life. I pray that people are able to kick drugs before the same happens to them.

For my son Darren Innes, taken from us due to an accidental drink and drug overdose. Forever 22, miss you so much, my heart is forever broken xxx Lots of love Mum, Lisa Abby family and many friends xxx 3.4.88~1.1.11

mum

We lost our son Thanksgiving 2013. We love you Jonathan. Port St Lucie

Bonnie Bearor

I lost my son on june 27 2016. he was 22 years old. I would trade my life for his everyday if I could. David is very loved by all who knew him.

Stacy

Jason R Samuels (6 August 1980 - 21 May 2010). Each day now is the same as yesterday and tomorrows will be no different. Grateful I was chosen to be your mom and walk with you through the good and the horrible. You fought a hard fight. Your journey was not and will never go in vain. You were an example of courage and my best friend, my beautiful son. No words exist for the ache that never ends. But for you Jason..the battle was won. You are right, "pain IS love". SOAR HIGH LIVE LARGE SUPREMELY FREE AND HAPPY FOREVER Love you forever and treasure every memory Mom

Vickie Samuels

Deanna Marie Tropper, died November 14, 2020 of a fentanyl overdose.

Alane

I loved you so much Mar-bar it kills me so deeply that your gone. My best friend together we’re unstoppable, should’ve stuck with me, I can’t believe your gone. If I could take it all away I would if I could trade places I would, 6 different drugs really Mar. I’ll never forget our times together. Your with me always, see you soon. Posted 11/11/2019

Heather

To: Patrick This is a tribute to my wonderful son Patrick Holley who passed away 2-13-2010 from a heroin overdose. Patrick fought addiction as best he could, but lost his battle in the end. Patrick was the light in our lives, and now that light has gone out. He was the heart of our family and is missed very much and will always be loved. We all love you Patrick. We miss your smile, laugh, sarcasm and most of all your BIG heart! We wish you peace, joy, happiness, and most of all LOVE for you for all eternity. May the good Lord look after you and love you. I look forward to the day we are reunited. Love you, miss you much.

Momma, Dad, Erin, Maggie & Fiona

August 31, 2014 will be the most awful anniversary. It was the day I lost my sweet son Benjamin, my only child, to an accidental drug overdose - ironically on Overdose Awareness Day itself. Ben was 17, and we never even remotely saw it coming. He was spending the night with a few friends, planning a future with his girlfriend, and they got a hold of some oxycontin. They all went to sleep around 5am and slept until 1:30pm. When they woke up, Ben was gone! He had been gone probably since shortly after they went to bed, and his girlfriend slept the night beside him. He just slipped away, so silently, unnoticed. Ben was a good boy - the best! He cared for and took care of everyone to the point of giving them food and shelter if needed. He listened to everyone's problems and gave them strength to make it through their struggles. He made them feel good about themselves and helped them find purpose and value in their lives. He had no prejudice toward anyone and taught those around him to lose their prejudice. Even for a mentally disabled man much older than he was - he sought out advice on how to help and befriend him. He was always respectful to us, his parents. At his funeral all of his friends said he was the kindest person they had ever met. To me, he was my joy, my only child, the only child I ever needed. He had a beautiful sense of humor and of appreciation of small things like turtles and fried eggs and and the wooly feel of lambs. He would help me by telling me to leave my new braces alone or else they would bother me more than they already did. He would ask me why I spent so much time getting ready - he said "You come out looking exactly the same. You always look good, Mom." Yes, he was truly my pride and joy. He searched for truth and the meaning of life - online, in conversation, in thoughts and dreams. He searched for God, for goodness, for health, for ways to help others. He talked to God and read the Bible and developed his own way of seeing and worshipping God, always searching for more answers. I believe he has now found his answers, and is enjoying the fullest joy he could ever know, with Jesus. Enjoy your reward in Heaven, my sweet Ben! I hold you always in my heart and look forward to seeing you some again. day. Please pray for us here. I love you always, my Ben! - Mom

Linda Rabenberg

I will always miss my cousin Peter. I'll remember him laughing, fishing, and living everyday to its fullest. I loved him, looked up to him and always will. I hope to live in a world one day where overdose deaths are not a common occurrence.

Nola

To: My Son Jeremy A place to Rest and Shelter for your soul has been found in your most favourite place in the world above the cloud line at the top of a run listening to the music from the lifts below now and for eternity Love you forever

Your Mum

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

To my only son Lino Adame. Your sisters and I miss you so much. You left us to soon. God is with you and your pain has vanished. You are always in our Heart and Mind. Love Mom

Rosa

I miss you every day, Brian. I wish you could have overcome your addiction and stayed with your family. Know you are remembered and loved, I know you did the best you could.

MaryJude

Raymond you left us so fast.My baby brother overdosed on a deadly combination of drugs.So many dealers not enough punishment.

Debbie

In memory of my beautiful mother Tammy Morey. October 3, 1969 - April 12, 2016. Poplar Bluff

Ashley Mccraig

To: Kevin Thinking of you always

David

2 ALL MY LOVED ONES WHO R GONE OR STILL IN ADDICTION-I MISS U-LOVE U BRADFORDSVILLE,KY,40009

SHEILA MATTINGLY

My precious son Kurtis (William Rock) gone too soon at 27 yrs old on Mar.25/2018. It still seems like yesterday; you were doing so well and we had such good times together and positive future to look forward to. You were caring, kind, loving and so helpful to me, our family, children and animals. You were desperately reaching out to the church and God for help when you relapsed so I'm baffled why God took you home at this time instead of saving you as he had in the past. While you know how much I love you and that you were the best thing that ever happened in my life, I also miss all yr help, advice, knowledge about health and Christianity, and just talking to you about everything that is going on in the world, sports of course and other things. I miss you so much and feel like I will never recover from losing you to the accidental fentynal poisoning, I feel like you are still speaking to me through old cards or letters when you told me not to get discouraged and to hold onto my faith in God as that is all we really have. You were so right as I now realize you were about many things you said, as I am alone now except for God.

Posted 05/10/2018

Marlene Rock

The day you left us Brian, you left an empty space, you took a piece of us all which no one could replace. A loyal man to all you loved, such kindness and so caring. The happiness you gave to us, and good times that we're sharing. I know again we'll all meet up, until we're back together. Your immortal smile and kind heart, will live with us forever. Your loving Karen

Karen B

My beautiful Rachel, I lost you almost 2 years ago, I miss you so badly, it's a hurt that never stops ! You were a beautiful caring person and Momma, we all miss you terribly. Rachel passed of a heroin OD 11/15/15, she left behind her son Cash who is now 3 , we love you love Mommy ❤️

Orange County Ca USA

Mommy

Loving Friend.. Brother.. son. Mike Helmer, 22, was taken from us due to an overdose. He was a member of the Albrightsville Fire company for a decade. Graduated High School and had all the love and support from his family and friends. Mikey you will be missed by all of us and we will forever hold all of the memories and cherish the moments that we had with you. May 1, 2017 your body couldn't take anymore of the pain and tearing. Watch up in Heaven over all of us with all of our Angels. You will be missed. Rest Easy

Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania

Paul my son my best pal thinking of you every day xxxpk7m

Richard

My sweet boy Douglas Alan lost his battle with this life, with his addiction and everything that comes with it on April 17, 2017. When the ambulance I was riding in with him in the back pulled into the hospital I heard him distinctly say - its OK mom, I'm free. I'm glad the darkness he lived in on this planet is over and now IS the light. Love you always and forever Dougie - Momma Dayton Ohio USA

Dana

Tony, You should be here. Heroin robbed of your life. You had everything in front of you. You had so many special gifts. You were not only intelligent but blessed to be able to work with your hands. You received all the good looks. It breaks my heart that we didn’t get to say goodbye. I would do anything to hear your laugh again. Your smile was contagious and will never be forgotten. I love you forever and always! I’ll always be your number one fan! Xoxo! Sincerely, Danielle

Posted 23/07/2018

Danielle L

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

My son passed away on August 26, 2017 because of an overdose on heroin. I miss him everyday! I cry everyday! This has to STOP! Winston-Salem, NC

Maggie

R.I.P to my father angel guzman, my dear cousin matthew guzman and three really good friends brandon felix harry petersn and shelly steelman.

alexis

Run far run fast living with this evil around us life will not last. Damion Manning February 28th 2013 Taken too soon!!! But you will never be forgotten..

Savannah

My sister, Tristan died of a heroin overdose on August 4th, 2016; she was a beautiful girl with long brunette hair and a bubbly personality. She was only 18. I love and miss you sissy. #tristanslaw

Stephanie

This is a tribute to my beautiful daught Daria...I miss you everyday. She died on 9/17/09 after 27 hrs. on life support. She was clean for 4 mos. I miss so much but I miss your crazy dancing and your tender heart. You had the softest skin ever and I miss touching your hand. I love you forever. Mom

lorraine kinne

To My much loved Son,
It has been two and a half years since you passed away from a heroin overdose.
My heart is broken and my life will never be the same.
You were the best son anyone could ask for...so loyal and you loved your family so much.
Forever Loved, Forever in my heart.
Your Mother...REST IN PEACE SON...XOX

Dandenong

Irene

Michael Voorhes, miss you and your music. You were a wonderful light in so many lives.

Michael

Simone
Another minute, another hour, another day and another year without you. You were my everything-my soft place to fall. With you gone every day is a struggle-even after all this time. I can't wait until we're together again. Keep a place in the naughty corner for me. I love and miss you more than i could ever imagine-lisa xxxx♡♡♡♡xxx

Preston

Lisa

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

My my pretty baby boy! I miss you so much and I love you even more . Caleb Martin born January 11 2001. Passed away October 10 2020. Heart of gold never met animal he didn't love. An amazing gamer on his computer. He is a little brother and big brother. We all love you and miss you so much. Love you to heaven and back always and forever baby love mom

Keli

Bob we love and miss you. Forever you are in our hearts❤️❤️❤️

Rochester

Laurie

Torae we love you and miss you.

Posted 07/03/2019

Melanie

To all our fallen comrades; To those that are heart brokenly left behind; To those that have irreversible damage from a non-fatal overdose; My heart (though broken as well) is with you especially on this important day of acknowledgement. My thoughts are with all our community and our friends and family. I hope we all find the solace we seek and deserve.

Laura

It will be 5 years in August that You have passed. We still struggle with not seeing You. I miss you my son, with all my heart!!! Posted 06/06/2019

Linda

My biological dad died from HIV and a heroin overdose. I was luckily taken into a foster home at 2 months old and adopted. My dad died on the Vancouver Downtown Eastside. We didn’t have much of a relationship but I want to honour him. His name was Shawn. I actually overdosed on fentanyl earlier this month and thankfully I was saved by first responders with Naloxone. I’m dedicating my life to my biological dad and I’m getting help. I never want anyone to end up like him

Ryan

My sweet sweet Matthew, Not a second of any day in three years have I not thought about you and our very short 19 years together. Your charm, humor, love, strength, compassion are sooo missed. My green eyed boy with the bright smile and strong hugs. Jackie, Dani, Brittney and I are heartbroken and so hurt without you. Love you soo much son. Always, Always, Always 💔💔💔💔 Orlando , Florida

ellen weinstein

To my lil brother Scott (age 52), you left us just last week. We tried and fought as hard as we could. We are in shock and this entire world will never be the same. We know you'll be making changes from up in heaven. You can do it!!!! Love, your big sister, Kim

Kim

In loving memory of Scott, Anthony, Matt, Garret, and My love Sam. You are dearly missed.

Jasmine

My best friend, Nate, had back surgery and was given morphine. It was never enough. He had so much of it in his system that he died in his sleep from asphyxia. He was such a great friend and I miss him so much. He was only 34. Posted 22/07/2019

Rodney Pitman

I wanna pay a tribute for my brother RYAN,who lost his battle on fighting his demons on june 15th 2018 😞😥 me and our family miss him so much,every minute,second and hour of the days😞😥 people say it gets better,i don't believe it at all,i think it gets WORSE cause its longer as years and days goes past without hearing and seeing your loved ones😞😥 REST IN PARADISE MY BROTHER RYAN😞😥🙏💔 WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

karen

This is a tribute in honor of Andrew Curley. His life ended far too soon on September 25, 2013. I wish I could have been one of the lucky ones to have known him - - although his life and legacy has made a big impact on me nonetheless. His memory lives on every day through his family, who have opened their hearts to me, specifically his brother Jason. The pain of Andrew's absence is real and painful,... but it was not in vain. A Prayer for Those Addicted to Drugs, by Vienna Cobb Anderson Most loving God, we ask your blessing upon all who suffer from addiction. Strengthen them to reach out for help. Enable them to take the first step to recovery. Bless them with the persistence to persevere in the fight to be free. Give courage and hope to their families, drawing them close together in the power of your love, which alone can transform our living. Amen.

Jennifer

Courtney Danielle Stayte My Beautiful Daughter..5/15/1992- 8/14/2018. There are no words to describe the emptiness and void that I feel. I miss & love you from the depths of my soul. There is not a waking moment that you are not in my thoughts. I dream of you, I hear you in my head its as if you are here but I cant see you. My life here on earth has forever changed, when you left you didn't go alone. You left behind the greatest gift ever Nevaeh, she looks just like you sweetheart!! Until I see you again, your memory will live on. N.I.V. (Not In Vain) Love, Mom Posted 18/08/2019

Regina Price

RIP my boy. Anthony Harting, December 28, 1981 to June 20, 2010. With Never-ending love for my son.

Emanuela Harting

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 05/10/2018

Posted 23/07/2018

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 05/10/2018

Posted 23/07/2018

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