After fighting for my own life and making it the the other side of this ruthless disease it took the life of my only sibling. June 5th 2015 I lost my brother to a prescription drug overdose. Mark (Jr) was 32 when he left us. My brother was one of the kindest souls I'll ever know. His passion was to be in the FWC (a game warden) and  a week before his ATV accident he was attending college and just gotten the letter confirming he was accepted into the FWC. His ATV accident caused him to have multiple surgeries to try to save his badly broken leg. They then referred him to pain management where they over prescribed him narcotics for years. He obviously couldn't be the game warden he dreamed of being and abused the medication and self medicated for his depression. He became very ashamed of his addiction and isolated from his loved ones. He hated that this is what it had come to and decided to get help and he did. I took him to a treatment center where he was doing great until his doctors appointment came and he went. He relapsed and was so ashamed but couldn't completely stop using. At 3am I got the call and raced to the hospital where he was on life support. My world was flipped upside down and my heart was shattered! The next day we said goodbye even though he was gone before he ever got to that hospital. I never would've thought growing up that addiction would try to kill me and then take my brother! I am and will continue to share our story and spread awareness. My condolences to anyone affected by the horrible disease! If we can save anyone then let's do it!

Andrea. I miss u always. You fought SO HARD & so long against the Hell of this disease. And everyday its your memory, your beauty & spirit that keeps me fighting. I love u Andrea. Fly Free Sweet Girl. Morgantown WV

On September 1,2016 we lost our son to an accidental overdose of alcohol and pain killers. Our loving son was the father of a 3 and 4 year old. I hope he is out of pain and in the hands of God. We love and miss him dearly. North Conway NH

To my father, who was found April 9th 1996. I was just a 15-year-old girl then and you were only 38. We looked for you for almost a month and then I was told that your body was pulled from a river - cause of death overdose. Seventeen years of missing my father and having four children who never got to meet you. Most of all the questions of how does a person overdose and end up in a river. What happened during your last moments. I remain a daughter without answers except one. The answer I give when asked to try them NO and I hope your death will inspire my children to do the same. You made movies, road trips, music, etc. so much fun. I wish I could've shot that monkey off your back but I was just a kid. Forever Your Daughter Forever Missing Her Dad

RIP

Peter, two years on and our hearts long for you every day. Heroin was the evil that took you from us. It hurts to know help may have saved you but was not given...things need to change. At 31 your life was over. You now would have a niece, you would have adored her. Some days I look into her blue eyes and believe I still can see a glimmer of you, the real you. We miss you so, the jokes, teasing mum about her hair, your love. I still remember the way you held my hand xo. To bury your son, grandson, brother at 31....it changed us all forever. Life is so short as it is but to lose you so young will never make sense. Our hearts are broken, faith challenged and our belief in human kindness has been truly rattled by your passing. What we can hold dear are the memories....your smile on christmas day, your bad singing, your beautiful blue eyes, your smile. Peter knowing what we know now about addiction, we would do things so differently. But the sad reality is you don't get your time over to right your wrongs. We saw your face that fateful day....your eyes so blue, finally at peace. We take comfort in knowing you are now at rest and will never need those evil drugs again. Love you always and forever xox

In loving memory of my daughter Melanie who died of an accidental overdose on 11/18/16. You were loved beyond words and will forever be in our hearts! Forever 26.... Posted 15/08/2019

Lost all my friends to overdoses i sit here alone now

Melbourne

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

Shawn Sperling... we lost you on Sept. 30, 2012 from a heroin overdose. Forever 22. So full of life, love and laughter. Loved by all. Our son, our brother, our friend, your legacy is the love that you left behind. Your many, many friends always going to your gravesite, still after almost 5 years. Shawnie... you are still such a beautiful part of us. Our "Ferris Bueller". I am so lucky to be your mom for 22 years. We ❤️ You! Still I Rise

Paramus, NJ

Our beautiful youngest son, Nicholas Andrew Roark, died at home on July 30, 2016 at the age of 40.  Although the death certificate still says pending because they are waiting on toxicology results, I know that drugs -- probably heroin -- was the cause of his passing.  He fought the battle against heroin for at least 5-7 years, but his fight with drugs started much younger. At 17 he began smoking marijuana, and his drug use escalated from there.  He said it all started out as fun, but developed into something else, a need. I loved him so much, beyond all reason, and I miss him so much.  Although there were many bad days, there were many more good days. He had a gentle soul and tried to manage his addiction, but that beast was relentless and returned time and time again to take almost everything away from him -- his career, his marriage, his motivation, his hobbies.  But it couldn't take his kindness, his beautiful smile, his love for his family and our love for him.  I hope he is in a better place and at peace. I no longer fear death because perhaps our souls can reconnect in the afterlife, God willing.

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

I lost my son to a heroin overdose just 9 months ago, David Windsor "Thaddeus" Batchleder July 3, 1991-November 20, 2013, age 22. Rest easy Pooh, we miss you so much and we love you more than all the world can hold.

My struggle only began 3 years ago with a injury at work many surgeries later I'm completely addicted to prescription pain meds many failed attempts to get clean and to many close calls to an overdose I reached a point I felt my life was over I'm a true believer in methadone maintenance it saved my life but not before it almost took my niece's life she got a heavy dose of heroin and fentyl thank the LORD she made her way into a populated store before falling out and CPR was administer by a customer but she was on a ventilator and placed in a medically induced coma for weeks we were not sure what her future was to look like eventually she woke up but she will never be the same she needs round the clock care and is basically a toddler again my niece is only 29 with her whole life ahead of her she has been battling her addiction since she was a teenager it almost took her from us and I see how it has taken its toll on our family and I do not want to put them threw it also I don't want to die or become a vegetable if you are addicted please STOP I know it's hard get help get help now before it's to late you are worth it you deserve to be clean and sober Catasauqua

Cheryl, Kathy, Michael, Lawrence, and other friends and acquaintances lost to addiction. Others have chosen to end their suffering at their own hand. Gone but never forgotten. I pray for recovery for all.

To: Andrew (6/15/91-10/11/12) My dear son, I think about you every minute of everyday. How could an evil drug take hold of such a wonderful son? I am so lucky to have had you for 21 years. I love you Andrew, my precious son…

samantha sad it had to end like this.too younto go and im glad i could give you some good times.be free....saen

I know you pushed hard, but it took hold of you. Rest easy brother. CTS 11/2/78 - 7/11/16 Miami, FL

Posted 23/08/2018

My son Salvatore Marchese died on September 23, 2010 from an accidental heroin overdose. Sal was an amazing son, brother and father - a beautiful soul who will forever be remembered and loved.

My father died of an overdose from heroin in April of 2017 he was 47. I myself was 27 and in prison from my own addiction to heroin. My dad has been the biggest insperation in my life and he is who keeps me going and to remind myself to stay sober.Ive been clean from heroin since July 2016. I just want my father to be remembered and know.he was loved by myself and many others. thanks Sierra Posted 11/09/2019

Feb 12 2019 My Only Nephew Kyle my sisters only Son You were taking from us by a devil drug something you tried so hard to leave behind you This drug purple heroin grabs hold of you There's no safe thing about doing it I make Tribute to my Nephews accidental overdose To make users aware that no amount is worth your life Rest Easy my Nephew Posted 09/05/2019

You made the world a brighter, happier place in the circles you traveled in. Your smile was infections, and I am proud to be your father! While you were with us for such a short period, we are forever changed! Please watch over your little brothers, and know they adore you! Until we meet again, I am always, truly, and faithfully working towards the betterment of those who suffer the way you did. No more suffering, that is the driving force in my life- you no longer feel that pain. I love you, Dad (Joe Engle)

I lost my 17 year old daughter to a heroin overdose on January 20, 2017. She was a talented young lady who loved to play guitar, paint and she loved the outdoors. Rest in Heaven my sweet baby girl!

Hackettstown, NJ USA

Remembering Trevor, Danny,  Christina and Josh. Just to name a few. #neveralone

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

Help me remember my lil brother, he got so high on meth among other drugs that he believed shadow monsters and ppl were chasing him and he did a double back flip off a bridge into a canyon. It's not what some ppl would call it an overdose but that's exactly what it is.

Today marks 6 months since my best friend Ben died of a heroin overdose. Not a day goes by when I don't think of him. Ben struggled with addiction since he was 13 years old. I met him when I myself was 12 and he 13. From day 1 he had a high-energy, fast paced and eccentric personality. You either loved him or you hated him, and I loved him wholeheartedly. He struggled for years with this terrible and scary addiction. At one point it had so much control over his life that he started to pull away from his family, friends and me. He also battled with depression, insecurity and shame for his addiction. He died September 19th, 2014 at his home. He was 21 years old. He had so much potential, that he just did not see within himself. Every day I wake up with regret; maybe if I had really talked to him about his addiction he would still be here. What if I had told him how much it frightened me? How much it would devastate so many people if we lost him? I will never know. I lost my oldest, dearest and closest friend to drugs. And I will never be the same. Ben I love you, I miss you, and l will never stop telling our stories.

FOR MY DAD CHARLES FORT/DAVID MICHAEL DUFFY I miss you everyday. More importantly, I want the world to know I love you. I loved you no matter what. I wasn't always happy about your choices but you were my dad. I hope you are smiling down on me and see the work I do, see your grandkids.  They know you. They love you. I am trained to use naloxone. EVERYONE who is dealing with addiction at all levels should do it.  I hope it is available where you may be. MY FATHER WOULD STILL BE ALIVE. IF NOT, START A MOVEMENT TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE. IF IT IS -GET TRAINED.

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

My husband's family awoke to their mom’s terrified screams when she found their dad dead on the kitchen floor. His cause of death was no secret. Remarkably, she raised 4 children while working and attending college. Cutting a long story short, I fear my husband’s alcohol and substance abuse will cause him to repeat history. He has told me he wants to feel what his father felt just before he passed. So I asked him why he would consider putting his own son and myself through such devastation. He claims he wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Yet his reckless ways seem to prove otherwise. We love and need my husband so much. The thought of losing him scares the crap out of me. As a recovering addict myself he’s made it very difficult to stay sober. I can honestly say that his loss opened my eyes and made me strong. I can’t even remember what I ever saw in that crap. It literally makes me sick! I dread the times when he sucks me back into that lifestyle again. Honestly, I feel I have no reason to use any more. I turned to drugs as a teen to numb the pain of depression. I was molested at a very young age and suffered loneliness after a failed marriage. Well, I’m finally happy with my life. We have a beautiful family and everything we could possibly want. So now when he turns to drugs it makes me think he’s not happy with his life. I feel like less of a person or that I’m just not enough for him. Is it too much to ask for a little normalcy? I never got to meet his father Robbie, who was only in his early 30s, but he is loved and missed by many. I also KNOW he would want better for his son.

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

To my incredibly courageous, loving, and wonderful nephew Greg Devon better known to me as Boo . . .without you, we are lost and without you life is incomplete. You will always be in my heart and I can't wait for the day I see you again and you flash that beautiful smile at me and I see all the pain and suffering erased from your face. Knowing you are finally not struggling with the pain and torture of this devil drug helps and knowing you are in the most beautiful place helps and remembering that I will see you again gives me strength. You are and always will be my Boo! Love you so so much!

To Jeff I myself as a pain pill addict have lost you, one of my nearest and dearest friends on January 9th. I didn't know how bad you actually were or I would have been at your house every day telling you how much I truly love you and told you to go back to meeting by my side. Jeff became addicted to crack again and was already hooked on pain pills. The combo killed him and I am so devastated. My own addiction has taken its selfish toll and I hadn't spoken to Jeff in the 2 weeks before his demise. Guilt and shame are killing me internally. Like I maybe could have prevented this or something. People keep telling me otherwise; that he wouldn't have listened. Jeff was the big brother from another mother that I wanted to strangle at times. I'm being facetious of course, but no matter what our differences he was there for me and vice versa. We both endured the same mental illness and understood each other's pain. There was more to Jeff than his addictions. He was a grandfather, a father, a husband and my best friend. I resented him for introducing to me pain pills at a vulnerable time in my life, but now it is up to me to quit. Jeff expressed his sorrow and he is forgiven. I want you back my friend though I know you're gone. You'll never be forgotten. Your real friends want to help me through this most difficult time. We miss you and your tender side. I miss coming to you for advice and your male perspective on my relationship issues. I'm so lost and I know you truly loved me for me. I saw you through the end my friend. Going to your funeral was the hardest thing I ever had to do....the last goodbye. GOD HELP ME. There's a huge hole in my heart though I know you found the peace you couldn't find on this earth. I love and miss you Jeff. Your friends Will keep your legacy alive. Goodbye.

My Favorite first born son :) , Jimmy Davidson, died from an overdose last year on 10/09/15 at 27, one week before his 28th birthday - we actually buried him on his birthday. He was addicted to heroin but he died from Fentanyl. No heroin in his system at all. The dealers are killing these kids! putting poison in there like the heroin isn't enough! I miss him every single day. He was doing so good and then he gave in one last time. I am so sorry for everyone affected by addiction. Always try to support your addicted loved one and end the stigma! God bless everyone and my son - see you in heaven! luv you Jimmy, 4eva8!

For my brother...John A. Corby 6/13/72-7/11/12...who is missed everyday. Heroin took you from us..but your memory and the love we have for you remains.

El Paso, Texas

David i can't belive it will be 3 years on the 30th since you left us. rarely a day goes by that I don't think about you as our daughters are a permanent reminder.

I always hoped that you would follow me into recovery. I know you thought you were different from the others when i took you to a meeting and could go it alone.

I will never forget the day i was told you had died from a herion overdose the shock and devastation will stay with me forever, having my own pain as you know that you were my first love but also seeing the girls grieve was horrendous. They miss you, please stay close to them xx

Brighton UK

In loving memory of my only sibling Gretchen Ann Smarra.  May you continue to rest in peace!  We love and miss you always!

To: Louie, It is difficult to believe that you are gone. It was a tragic day that you passed away from us. We know you are at peace from all the pain and suffering that you experienced as a result of addiction. We miss your sense of humor, your Italian imitations and the kids and I speak about you often with love. You will always be in our hearts.

This isn't so much a tribute as a last attempt at hope....my father, Richard Stone, passed away in the early 1990s to a heroin overdose. I don't know much about him as he never knew about me, but would like to his mother and father to know he left a daughter behind. He was living in Eltham at the time with a friend who also died due to the same issue. This guy also left behind a daughter they I believe lived above a dry cleaner's in Eltham, Kent London and would have been born in the 1960s. I was born in 1987. please email zlquick@hotmail.com if anyone can help. My love and thoughts go out to those who have lost a loved one. xxxxx

To: A.J. Miss you mate everyday Lotsa love xxxxxx

Nicole you always be in our hearts. Everyday is for you. Rip my butterfly.

Trenton

A graceful hand on my shoulder surprised me. I turned to a face that seemed faintly familiar, her approving eyes serene. “I’m sorry, Jacob. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m a mutual friend of Dan, um, I remember you from last week at his --”. Her gaze, her soul-stirring wonder, took me back a week prior, to my best friends viewing. The grieving eyes of his family meeting mine, my heart screaming, soul crying, I knew, nothing, nothing will ever change how they feel. Marriage, Grandchildren, first steps, Christmas shopping, prideful bragging, birthday cards, and -- The expectations of life, died with my best friend, a tender-hearted man, Dan. I wished now for a protective love for Dan's mother and father, with the broken heart, a small intent from my own weary spirit. “We wanted to thank you,” she whispered. “We know he was watching last week, your words were beautiful." It wasn't your fault; He would want you to know that.” Her tear-stricken eyes held mine in a long gaze, finding my soul, vulnerable... An unexpected oneness with the Divine, awakened my soul, like a plunge into arctic waters. Twice before this moment, I experienced the divine light, it adds a flash of brilliance to life humans cannot describe with language or illustration. "He will not die in vain" the words that proceeded a long hug... This unexpected compassion would not erase my ambivalent mind and wonder of questioning, but a gentle gift was received. Within my boundless spirit, the fertile soil of my heart, there has been the planting of a seed; a seed of wisdom, love, compassion and peace. To me, it's like an open window shining light on a simple truth that was covered in doubt and questions, providing clarity to all the mysteries I had about myself, the world, and its meaning. Everyone has a purpose in life, and talent and gift only possessed by our individuality and uniqueness. The intention is the power and force and when understood it guides you to your most excellent higher self. I strive to be that person.... And much more   -leadbyexample333

Joseph Richard Smith, I love you and will never forget our beautiful summer in the sun. You're an amazing father friend and everything in between. You loved me with your whole heart and I will forever treasure every conversation and experience we had. I wear the starfish charm you gave me over my heart to remember my summer of love with the greatest man to enter my world. Watch over me and your beautiful girls. Rest in perfect bliss my beautiful Prince, see you in the heavens my sweet angel

To: Samantha Vincent My it's been sooo long. Really miss you and know, you're still with me.

My heart died on January 25th 2016...I lost my best friend, my partner in crime, my little sister to heroin..I will keep fighting for you sissy. Love you always and forever. Springfield,Mo USA

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

Scott Dillon
You would be so proud of the beautiful people our children have grown up to be.
I hope you're finally at peace.
9/14/1974 - 4/24/2007

Charleston, WV USA

My only son, forever 29, left this world 10/02/15. I will miss your smile, your hugs and laughter forever. A part of me is missing. You were an amazing cook who loved to cook for your friends and family. Your love of music was known by everyone and it's hard for me to even listen to it. We will see each other again on the other side my sweet son. Love Mama Dukes.i

Lost my bestfriend Andrea to a heroin overdose. My heart aches for her family and kids. I hope she's at peace now. ❤ Posted 28/07/2019

Debbie, Nola, Helga, Rikki, Ronnie, Lionel, Titch, John, Marcus, Bradley , Lisa, Big Dave, Noel, 'A', Danny, Sissy, Kerry, Tammy
Each of you were in a chapter of my journey, each of you bring a smile as I wipe away the tears. I will never forget you and always be thankful that at some point we were in each others lives. Thank you all for the memories
Lisa xxxx

Preston