International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death.
Show Your Support
The silver badge, purple wristband and purple lanyard are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these signifies the loss of someone cherished, or demonstrate support to those undergoing grief. It sends out a message that every person’s life is valuable and that stigmatising people who use drugs needs to stop.
Host or Attend an Activity
Hosting your own International Overdose Awareness Day event or activity, or attending one, is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have lost their lives to overdose.
Promotional Resources
We provide campaign materials to share within your community to help prevent overdose.
Donate
Donate and help to raise awareness of overdose and spread the message that overdose is preventable.
Post a Tribute
Post your tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose.
Australia’s Annual Overdose Report
2,000+ overdose deaths in Australia for five straight years
Penington Institute, the convenors of International Overdose Awareness Day, have released Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2020
LEARN MORE NOW
Report Released
The 2019 International Overdose Awareness Day was the most successful yet. Download and read the Partners’ Report to learn more about our campaign.
Time to Remember. Time to Act.
Make a Difference in 2020
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that overdose death is preventable. Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.
Do you recognise the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it? In these videos, we hear from people who have been affected by drug use and overdose.
“There wasn’t any white light. I didn’t make out Jesus or see my dead family members. It was just oblivion and it was very frightening.”
Remembering Lost Loved Ones
Even though it has been two years I still miss you everyday. I miss what you could have been. You were such a sweet child. It is simply not fair that you lost your life so young to this awful drug epidemic. Your daughter misses you so much. Love you always! Mom
Posted 16/08/2019
Teresa
I lost my best friend May 1st 2018..this one is for you Lil Matt(Mathew Dostick) I miss you everyday and wish you were here. You were always a brother to me and I love you man...I'll never forget you and how you were just a blast to be around and made any sistuation fun. I miss you so much. Watch over me man so I never go back down that road. Coming up on five years clean.Posted 23/08/2018
Michael Miller
To Austin, my first born……
How the pain swallows my heart from day to day living without you. I know drugs were your friend and your enemy. You tried so very very hard to stop using. The evil drugs however won you over. Luckily, God won your soul.
Please know that your life impacted so many people here, and you were so loved and so important to all of us.
May you rest in comfort and peace.
Love your family and friends.
Mom
June 16th this year my partner of almost 12 years and father of our two boys overdosed and passed away. He believed if we could all do one good deed a day for another human even if it's as simple as a smile or holding a door the world be a better place and someday know peace. I love you Daniel Charles Vance. Life is far from the same without you!
Harper Woods
Grace VanSlembrouck
Miss you, hero! Not a day goes by I don’t think of you or what could have been done differently. Gone but not forgotten. RIP ADPosted 20/10/2019
Logan
I really hope my mom is looking down on me, god just needed another angel, she overdosed on accident and was found with a belt and a needle in her arm and I just figured out in 2020 it happened in 2019. I just figured out because I am in foster care. I really miss her kind and loving heart, she heard me take my first, I heard her take her last but at least she is in a better place.
chrystopher
We lost our Tanner Miller, the start of Our Lil’ Family... Our T-nore... Our Ohana... Our Foster Son...💔It was extremely difficult to watch him fade away...We both loved him unconditional... We tried our best to help... We never gave up...But we wish we could have done more...In the end, I pray that he knew and felt the tremendous amount of love we had for him... We loved him no matter what and he will Always be a Significant Part of Our Family...I wonder if things may have turned out different for him if he was able to access the right support, a safe supply, treatment, who knows where he would be today. I miss you dearly my friend!We love You, Tanner Miller, forever, for always! “Stay Golden”
P.S. you owe me a diary queen Sunday! 😉☺️💙
Cherise
To My Son,
Nicky not a day goes by that we don't mention your name or tell stories about you. You are loved so very much and with each passing day we miss you more and more. To us this still feels like a nightmare and we try to wake up because we are praying it really is a nightmare. But once we are up we know it was just a dream. We are not ashamed of how you died at all. I am so proud of the son you turned out to be, the brother you turned out to be to your sister. And the husband you turned out to be and I know we would have been proud of the father you would have become. The sad part is this little man will never know his daddy at all. He will never see your face, hear your voice or hear you tell him you love him. All he will have is the memories we'll tell to him about you. And for this reason I am so sad you have a smile son that would light up a room. That light is no longer with us. All we have our shattered hearts and an empty chair with your name on it. we miss you son and love you very much. Rest easy Nick the demon is gone. Love Mom, your two sisters Paula and Brooklyn. Your wife Amanda and your son little man Baby Richie
Kim
My son Bobby Nunzio Giovino overdosed January 6th 2016 from heroin Fentanyl. He had been clean for two years and relapse. He tried countless times to get clean and get help which was not available for him. Bobby suffered from addiction for 10 years he was 25 years old.
Marilyn
RIP Jessica
I will never stop missing you BFF..
Casey
In memory of my mom, Teresa Heath, who died of an alcohol overdose on May 25, 2016, at age 59. Fly. Little Wing. Your daughter, Amie
Amie
To my niece Toni. You are free now. I love you very muchPosted 03/09/2018
Maria
On April 6, 2014, shortly after midnight, I received the most horrific, heartbreaking call any parent can receive. The call came from the North Carolina homicide unit saying that we regret to inform you that your daughter, Bonnie, passed away at 9:45pm due to a suspected heroin overdose. We knew of Bonnie's struggles and tried to help her with her addiction when she was living with us in Maryland but Bonnie's desire to use again overrode her desire to get well and she left our home in June 2013 to live in North Carolina which had proven to be a disaster. In North Carolina Bonnie continued to use drugs and was soon arrested. She was supposed to be extradited back to Maryland for a probation violation as she shouldn't have left Maryland to begin with but instead she was released since the two states didn't coordinate the judicial process that was supposed to happen to facilitate the extradition. I am now left grieving, angry, and in a state of disbelief that this even happened. Dear God please help me to live with this and seek justice for my daughter's untimely death.
Mom
Dear Sarah,You left this world too soon, at only 19 years old, you were a friend who touched my heart. Enrolled in college, as an art student, and on your way to greatness, you lived through your fathers death only 2 years prior. The burden I carry is heavy, even after 10 years. I was the one who found you, still and quiet, already one of God's Angels.For many years I wished it was me, the one who didn't wake up, but I cannot change God's Plan and your loss will not be for nothing! I miss you Sarah!- Jason
Jason
Today marks 4 years since Max’s death.Posted 30/08/2018
Annie
When I tell people how my mother died, they look down on both me and her and treat me as if I'm completely unstable. They think that, just because she went down a certain path, I'm fated to do the same. But that isn't true, and regardless of that, overdosing isn't something to judge others by- it's still death. That's why I am so happy that this organization is spreading that kind of message; that is still, again, death. It does not determine anybody's worth- not mine, not my mom's. There's more to everybody than just what you hear and see on the outside.
London
This is a tribute to all those people who have needlessly died from overdose in the south London Borough of Lambeth. To all those who have suffered pain, loss and stigma because of the war on people who use drugs.
To all those who have been vilified, judged, caged and tortured, we stand with you.
martin mc cusker
My son Austin Blake Bordeaux would be 21 years old today. Austin was given a fatal shot of drugs on August 15, 2018 he was on life support until August 23, 2018 . That day my whole world fell out from underneath me. My family and I will never be the same. We miss him soo much, my heart is forever broken. There is an emptiness in our family now that no one can or will ever fill but My son Austin. I decided to donate his organs i know how much Austin loved life and i know he would be proud to know that he saved 3 womens lives by doing so. Austin wasn't a bad kid, he never judged anyone and would give anything he had if he thought it would save someone or help someone in need, he had a lot of love in him for people (even a stranger) and for life, but because of drugs my son lost his life, and i forever will be a mom with a broken heart { Austins ) mom and my family and i will forever miss him. In Memory Of My Son Austin Blake Bordeaux 6/18/99 - 8/23/18 Rest In Peace Son / Gone But Never Forgotten
Danielle
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.
Irene
I only met you twice but you made such an impression. I saw my son in your eyes and feared for you both. I’m so sorry that whatever you needed didn’t arrive in time. RIP July 11, 2020
Kevin
My wonderful son Johan, I miss you so much, it hurts so much. that it burns. I remember the day you came into this world, the day, i had you" n you were all mine. But I know your with GOD. in heaven" I love you..Posted 09/12/2019
Mom
In memory of my friend Sean. Sean was one of the nicest people I've known. He cared a lot about his son, family and friends. I was honored to have him as a friend. He died of an accidental overdose after having battled the disease of addiction for many years. R.I.P. Bro
Sean Hanagan
August 26, 1986-March 30, 2013Posted 16/06/2019
Peter (Pistol)
My beautiful boy Sebby Haroutunian Passed away on 1/5/2020 just a few weeks before his 21st birthday. He was my only son and my only child. I miss him with all of my heart and soul every second of every day. He was so handsome and smart and funny and had his whole life ahead of him. He will never know the joy of having a child of his own. Mom loves you Sebby, and I can't wait to see you on the other side. Rest in paradise my sweet boy.
Susan
My beloved only child of 24, left this world on August 29, 2015. I never knew the extent of his drug use until 3 weeks prior to his death when he informed me he was a week clean and committed; he remained clean for a total of 4 weeks. He relapsed when his girlfriend blind-sided him with a break up. It wasn't simply a single dose of heroin that killed him - it was a mixture of heroin & Fentanyl, which I'm certain he did not know that was what he was given. He died almost immediately. My final vision of my son was slumped over a toilet in partial rigor....his body hard and cold, his feet red and blue with white spots. I petted those feet and layed my head on his back until the EMS arrived and pulled me off. My screams and anguished sobbing must have been heard all around the neighborhood. Almost 2 years later the kid who gave him the mix finally confessed and is now facing charges of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death. But, where were all those friends who knew and said nothing? They lied to the police in multiple interviews, and they came to my house and I fed them and allowed them to take certain of Max's possessions....why didn't they speak up on his behalf? How could they all have gone to his memorial services and mourned him and written such loving comments - all stating how Max was their guardian and savior; how could they not stand up for him when he stood up for them? If you love someone, speak up and speak out! Don't hide and don't dare think that this is "just another" terrible thing happening in your life! Don't become so used to your friends dying off that you lose sight of the destruction it causes their families, the community, your generation! Adults in the community need to speak up as well - don't tell me months after that you knew my son was using! Heroin and opioids are stealing children from mothers, spouses, neighbors, communities, churches, employers....... Pennsylvania has the "Good Samaritan Law" protecting those who call 911 and stay with the overdose victim until EMS arrives; PA also has FREE Narcan for anyone to get at a pharmacy. Max & I had long talks about what we would do if we were in a position to "rat" on a friend; I know for a fact he would be the first one to call 911 if he saw a friend in trouble, even though he strugged with the dilemma. His friends failed him. I failed him. Grief is selfish - speaking up is selfless. Don't let your next friend die because you are afraid or ignorant or selfish. Don't you dare wallow in your own grief, when you know you could have done more. It is NEVER too late to speak up! Purple Bandanas are for Max - wear one to represent him. Start a hashtag "Purple Bandana" - an annual event will commence August 2018 to raise awareness and provide alternative "highs" - BMX biking, concerts, pool and poker tournaments, and more. Do it in the name of MAXXIMILLIANN. Do it in memory of or hope for anyone you know. PRPLbanDan4ev!
Snow Shoe, PA
Maxer's Mom
In Loving Memory of my beautiful son, Jimmy Davidson, lost to an overdose on 10/09/15 - one week before his 28th birthday. Was a family guy who made all of us smile every time we saw him. Full of hugs and the best advise. He was a working man who loved his 8 yr old child more than anything. Crushing for him to have left us so early, my house will never be the same without our boy Jimmy. Never give up on your addict! Love them no matter what. Some day your family could get lucky and they will come clean or, much worse, someday they may pass and you will wish you did not push them away. Please, you do not need to enable but please end the stigma and love and stand for your addict!Posted 19/08/2018
Nikki
My son's uncle (his fathers brother) Wesley Cole Hocks passed aways ten years ago beside his fiancé. Both were an overdose of heroin and xanax. As a recovering addict myself, I am trying to get more information to my community and educate them. So we can get the still sick and suffering help without judgment or stigma. Not only is every service work I do now for myself its also for Wes.
Shippensburg
Melyssa
Dear York,
Hope you are doing well looking down on us all struggling with our petty everyday lives. Somehow you always managed to lift us out of our gloom and make us happy. Your spark for life still lingers with us every day, and thinking of your bright smile and upbeat attitude still puts a smile on our face, like you used to do to everyone else.
Your dad came and we gave him your belongings. It was amazing. One minute not a cloud in the sky, then as soon as he entered your room it poured.
Thinking of you always our dear friend. Remember not to forget the doughnuts! Love always, Chris and Carley
Chris and Carley
Our dear sweet Ashley McKenzie. You are so missed and loved. Not a moment goes by that we don't think of all the precious times we spent together. Singing in the car was the best times we had. You made it so easy to love you. It makes me sad that horrible disease took you away at such an early age. But I u,understand now because God wanted the most beautiful soul, so He picked you. Sleep with Angels. RIP Ashley McKenzie Lee.
Clayton, NY USA
Grampa and Gram
Newark-My beloved daughter you are truly missed!! NEVER FORGOTTEN RIP ELIZABETH
Newark
Lydia
Remembering Trevor, Danny, Christina and Josh. Just to name a few. #neveralone
Carolyn
January 28 2020 I lost my bff, my sister to drug overdose . You will never be forgotten. I wish I could have saved you, I’m sorry it came down to overdose . I wish I could tell you I would never judge you for what you were doing . I would have gone to treatment with you, been by your side every step of the way . Please forgive me for not being able to see you lots . Me and your two nieces love you and will always bring you flowers 💐 can’t wait to see you again I love you and r.i.p.Posted 29/01/2020
Roxanne
❤️ Jacob Alexander Parker ❤️
6/19/92 ~ 4/3/18
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be
Never Forgotten & Always Loved, Mom
Posted 30/08/2019
Jan Cole Cassidy
Darling Danny, dearest friend, lover to all things in nature, the most true and pure of souls. We will always hold you high and dear in our heart, never letting you go xxx
Gina
Our amazing and beautiful Sam lost his struggle with addiction and other demons of depression and things we couldn't understand on June 13, 2016. It forever changed and destroyed our lives. Why didn't we get the rings and jewelry we got after his death while he was still alive? Why couldn't our love save him? So many unanswered questions and so much guilt... We only hope he is finally free from the pain and the shame and the day to day struggle...we love you with all our hearts....
Aunt Mim
My brother Dayne died at the age of 23. Five days after he was released from the hospital and told to "figure it out" by the so called professionals who were supposed to help him. He had orginally been admitted because of a suicide attempt due to his addiction. He never received the help he desperately wanted and and should have gotten.We, his family, loved him more then he could ever know. We truly hope he's found the peace and happiness he was looking for.Until we meet again..1990 - 2013. Posted 26/06/18
Aralee J
Jesse James John Walters.. my beloved orange haired free spirit. the loss is immeasurable. forever loved, adored, missed, heartbroken.
Jesse
Jamie Earl O'HaraApril 22 1970- May 14 1998To the love of my life. I miss you everyday.Until we meet again.I love you.Sam
Sam
To all the clients I have worked with over the years but lost their battle with addiction Thank you for being my teachers-for entrusting me with things that you wouldn't share with others-for being the amazing people that you were. You are all the reason I still do what I do and will continue to do until my last breath. You will never be forgotten.Lisa xxxx
Lisa
My son Devin Temple died of an apparent heroin overdose, he would have been 20 years old March of 2016. He passed November of 2015. He was an amazing kid, who could light up any room with his smile. He was the class clown and love to make people laugh. I miss him terribly, but his 19 year old sister. Ideas him more!!! I love you Bug!!! Rest in Paradise!!!!
Tami
Jason we miss you, your beautiful Daighter had her prom this year
You would be so proud of her.
Love you, MamaPosted 13/05/2019
Tonya
"After Glow"
"I like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and Sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done."This is truly beautiful and picked by his amazing sister Christine Emma!
We love you and miss you so very much! Gone but never forgotten!
James (jr)(batman)(my love)
To: Terry Berube Shepard (LOVING MOTHER AND WIFE)
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you all day, or regret things I never did while you were here.
But I understand you knew you were my everything. None of our lives will ever be the same as the joy we had when you were here. I'm forever a different person now that god said it was your time. He knew how thoughtful and selfless you were and didn't want us to see you in pain and covering it by addiction. I'll always love you more than life itself! And I'll never forget the things you said that make me the crazy/smart woman I am today. Mom, you're always right by my side no matter what, you are and always will be my role model, and now my Angel. LOVE YOUR BABYGIRL BOWS XOXO
Teia Berube your loving Daughter
My ex's mother was just like a mother to me. Yes she had her demons, we all do she just could not get away from them before they took her away November 7th 2015. I have overdosed as well but I was lucky enough to survive them and I now have just over six months clean. I feel guilty every day because I couldn't do anything for her that day and I survived. This disease is killing people left and right, it is time to put a stop to this, it is time to stop losing our loved ones.
Leah
My Dearest Son, Ryan Scott, I love you and miss you so much everyday. I will always keep you in my thoughts, and you will forever stay in my heart. I may be surviving, but I am not truly living without you. You were the sweetest, most giving, loving Son, and most deserving of a long, happy, prosperous life. I am looking forward to being with you again. Until that joyous day, we will stay closely connected. You are my precious Son, Ryan. ~ Mom
new columbia, pa, usa
tina
To my bestest friend Heath. It's been 12 years and I still miss you everyday. I hope you have had a better life on the other side. Also RIP Jimmy Thedoritis , Adam Hayley, Paul Bath.
Olivia
The love of my life, L. Brian Jones, entered into the gates of heaven on August 13th 2014. At 31 years of age Brian had finally fought his last fight and this evil drug they call heroin took his beautiful life! Brian was the sweetest most loving and funny soul you could ever meet. There wasn't a moment that went by where I wasn't laughing so hard I snorted and got the hiccups, and there weren't any moments that weren't full of love and warmth by being in his presence! Brian not only leaves behind me, his girlfriend, but he also leaves behind a beautiful 3 year old daughter, a dad who loves him very much, brothers and a sister, many cousins and other family members and friends who miss him more than anything!He fought the fight of addiction for many many years, but in the end the drugs took captive of his life! My heart dies a little more and more each day when I wake up and he's not beside me! Till my dying day I will be a voice for Brian and share his story with as many people as I can to try to end this epidemic of overdose.Every overdose is someone's son, daughter, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, father, and friend.. It's not just an addict, it's a living soul who lost their fight to this awful disease!!Larry Brian Jones ~ Feb. 8, 1983-Aug. 13, 2014
Kayla
In 2017 the city I live in was in mourning. Because of an overdose! There are people losing this fight left and right and it started with pills because florida was the state tray really started the pill mills. Unfortunately the was the government put a stop to it wasn't the best way not to mention just way to late. Tre problem is that so many people have this problem you might not even know if it's happening in your home or somee close to you. TILL IT'S TO LATE. This girl in my city was my first and only girlfriend all through high school. Never did she do drugs or drink. She used to Always be the responsible one for me. So when I started making sure choices i broke up with her so she wouldn't be involved. It crushed us both. But she wss tat girl whip everybody loved and just smiled around her because of all her positive outlooks on life in general. Over 14 years later she's gets ahold of me after all this time with a problem crying. She thought i was the only one who could help her. So i helped her fix the problems she was having. Days later she called again needing a place to stay and talking about if we stayed together. Now mind you I went grim being a dealer back then at 16 in my own place to owning a business with a new born and haven't even seen a drug in years. I took her I couldn't have her stay here. But told her i wild hide 300 bucks outside for her to get a safe room and food for the weekend. Come to find out it was her birthday that night and she was trying to get away from her boyfriend that was beating her. I had no idea she was being abused. I found out she overdosed that night with him. He wouldn't call 911 and he was caught on camera at 711 at 1140 pm hitting her bad. And shew wss pronounced doa 1229am! Everyday now I wonder if only I had let her stay. Or was it the money I gave her that killed her. As tree guilt i have for mitt helping her escape her x. She had no signs of previous drug use or drug abuse according to the m.e. her family said. I can't express how much pain drugs cause people and not just to themselves. Everyone around them. I will forever books that guilt in my heart. Please people if you truly love other people in your life, think about them before you get high! And dont think selling is cool either. I did fur a long time but realized in the end the ones who try to brag and be flashy are usually fake. People who are successful are proud people not loud people. They shine in other ways. Nice car and house and peaceful life. But if you deal, stop and think for just a sec. How many people might i kill or hurt today with this product I'm selling them. I love you Monica and am so sorry babe.Cape coral florida USA
Joey
On Oct 13th 2017 I got a call from a woman I didn't know. She said my daughter Heather had just died. That the EMTs was still there. An her fiance came home from work an found her like that I thought I'd already suffered the worse loss with the death of my parents. I was wrong. My heart didn't just break an huge hole formed an it can never be filled. She was 29. So much life left to live. She was so beautiful. I still can't believe she's not here. Heather your foreverse my Angel. I love youTalbott
Michelle
Nice initiative to know about overdosePosted 01/08/2018
Sandeep K
To my MOTHER Bonnie Ann Carr Wooldridge only 57 at time of death due to a massive heart attack caused by drug overdose......this ache in my heart will never go away...everyday at least once a day, somedays all day I find myself looking for you, my hearts calls out for you and than the realization sets in that you are gone forever. You died a senseless drug addicts death, we all have suffered the pain you left behind. I miss you more than words will ever be able to express. My best nights are the ones I get to dream about you as that is as close as I can get to seeing your face again or hearing your voice. Today, my hope comes from sharing your story as my very own testimony praying that it might save someones life as I know that you would like to know that you helped someone. So please hear my plea as I say" THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO LIVE" and it CAN BE DONE. This coming from someone who survived a 16yr drug addiction of my own, 9 yrs now I have tasted and lived the FREEDOM of a drug-free life. I laid my Mother to rest DRUG FREE 3 yrs ago. I preached at her funeral for the first time. This war can be won if and when we are willing to SURRENDER and GIVE GOD A CHANCE. You don't have to die to night. You don't have to leave your loved ones with the memory of white sheets and blue lights. Freedom is REAL. For MY MOTHER I say I will always LOVE YOU and until we meet again I will continue sharing your story as if it were my own.
Angela
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Wearing a badge, wristband or lanyard can signify the loss of someone cherished and sends out a message that overdose death is preventable.
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