Show Your Support
The silver badge, purple wristband and purple lanyard are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these can signify 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.
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Donate and help to raise awareness of overdose and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable.
Time to Remember, Time to Act
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 the tragedy of 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?
These videos include people affected by the impact of drugs use and overdose who share some of their stories.
“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.”
Remember
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Krissa Dawn Booth Cornell. (8/20/1980 - 7/24/2019) 38 years old. Krissa struggled since she was 12 years old with a mental health disorder. She loved feeding the homeless and talking to them. Looking back...she had a love for people who we think are broken...however she will tell you they are the most happiest people in the world. I wish I could have embraced more of her spirit and because of her I will live the rest of my days trying to embrace what she had. Posted 10/10/2019Dawn Drown
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We very recently lost our son, all too soon. Our prayers go out to all families with an overdose member & send out support & strength to help one another.Holley
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Our family lost Gregory Robert L. to an accidental overdose on December 4, 2017, six months before his 21st birthday. He is missed every second of every day and I post this tribute in his memory. We love you and miss you Greg! Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
Posted 30/06/2018
kim -
WE LOST A GRANDDAUGHTER IN JANUARY TO HEROIN ADDICTION SHE WAS 26 LEFT BEHIND A BEAUTIFUL 6 YRS OLD DAUGHTER WHO LOVED HER VERY MUCH THANKFULLY WE ARE RAISING HER DAUGHTER A CONSTANT REMINDER OF WHAT ADDICTION CAN TAKE AWAY FROM FAMILYS
Posted 27/08/2018
MARTY -
Jason, I miss you everyday. I wish I could turn back the clock and somehow prevent that day from ever happening. It still hurts. Love you forever xoxoxoTanya
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My sister-in-law Kayla recently lost her brother Roy Edward Kirchner Who overdosed on heroin technically It was fentanyl .Among the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2017, the sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl . Drug overdose deaths involving heroin rose from 1,960 in 1999 to 15,482 . What is wrong with this picture the only way you can get fentanyl is by prescription and look at the increase in deaths. Roy was 33 his son will never know who he is and his Mother and 2 Sisters will never forget. He had no idea he had fentanyl or he wouldn’t have taken it so please let’s not be blind to the fact doctors who prescribed and people who are creating this drug should be arrested & put a stop to all the loved ones dead due to careless Doctors. Roy you will never be forgotten <3 Posted 16/03/2019Robin
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Corrine S. .... A hundred days have made me older Since the last time that I saw your pretty face. A thousand lies have made me colder, And I don't think I can look at this the same. But all the miles that separate Disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face. I'm here without you, baby, But you're still on my lonely mind. I think about you, baby, And I dream about you all the time. I'm here without you, baby, But you're still with me in my dreams, And tonight it's only you and me, yeah. The miles just keep rollin' As the people leave their way to say "Hello". I've heard this life is overrated, But I hope that it gets better as we go. I'm here without you, baby, But you're still on my lonely mind. I think about you, baby, And I dream about you all the time. I'm here without you, baby, But you're still with me in my dreams, And tonight, girl, it's only you and me. .... I'M GOING TO MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH ... GOODBYE BBY GIRL.... Posted 08/04/2019Tim
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Rest in peace Craig - Love you, MOM
Shrewsbury, MA USAAngie -
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
Stoughton, Ma.USA
Gone but never forgotten.Barbara Edmondson -
My first born child died on 1/4/17. He had such a great 2016 that I stopped waiting for the call. His daughter turned 1 yr old 6 days after he died. He was so smart, interesting, funny and talented. He had a big heart and a big winning personality. He touched so many lives and many of his friends in recovery credit him to being a part of their success. I miss him even in my subconscious. 25 years wasn't enough but it's all he was meant to live. He left quite a mark on every person he knew and loved. Can't wait to see him on the other side when my time has come.
Posted 19/07/2018
Christine C -
All my love to my darling beautiful daughter Amy Scheele 05/10/77-06/01/15Marlene
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In loving memory of our son, Hunter Blair, who died on Dec 4, 2016, of a heroin overdose. Hunter may your light shine on and may you be driving your truck through the mountains of heaven. Posted 27/08/2018Ingrid
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I lost my son Jacob Paddy to a heroin overdose July 19, 2013. The worse day of my life. Jake was 23 and started his addiction after being percsribed Oxycotin after an injury. We did rehab, tough love, he even did a lil jail time. Jake was a love. Everyone liked him he made a room light up. Jake had about 2 years sober had an ATV accident and had to have surgery so he could get back to work sooner. The doctor prescribed him pain medicine knowing he was in recovery. Of course Jake filled the prescription no one wants to be in pain but it started all over again. The pills ran out - heroin is cheap within 2 months my son is dead. Since his death I now am a huge advocate and help others so their families don't have to live this hell. Jacob's death with never be in vain. I love you baby ??Ginger
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Lost my baby boy to this horrible demon...Mark Stoker 8/24/88 -2/4/16 forever 27 ~forever brokenhearted~💔 Selinsgrove PA USATeresa Stoker
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In memory of a beautiful soul! Taken from this life far too early.
Posted 31/08/2018
Sasha -
To my beautiful baby sister Haley. May you be free from life's struggles and dependency. It was devastating to see such an amazing young woman get caught up in such a cruel situation. She was strong, brave and honestly fighting for her life back. The chains of drug addiction can be unforgiving and she just couldn't set herself free. At the young age of just 21 she passed away and now lies in peace. I love you Haley and can now only dream of you sharing special moments with me. May your mind be still and your dependency be relieved. You have shown me the value of life and how to manifest its gifts daily. Thinking of you always.Courtney
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In memory of my son, Ryan, lost to a fentanyl overdose in 2017. (The hardest year of my life but so much harder for him). I am so thankful for the grace and mercy of God. He lost the battle but won the war! Rest In Peace baby. Momma loves you! Posted 11/12/2019Rhonda
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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... MarthaMartha
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Timmy. I still think of you every single day. I'm finally learning to live without you but your death has completely changed me. I think of you several times every hour of the day. I miss you. Relationships are forever over. Your death was soooo destructive to so many. I wish you knew how loved and needed you were by everyone. You knew how I felt. I'm still sooo thankful for all those talks. It gives me some peace knowing that you knew what you meant to me. Your memory will never die. I love you. Fly free.
NewfieldMary Wendling -
Quentin was only a junior in high school. I didn’t even know him very well, just seen him around school. It was New Years Eve and he overdosed and died today because of it. No one thinks it’ll happen to them and they’ll be lucky, but it can literally happen to ANYONE who takes too much of too many different things. Be safe.Haley
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To:Dione I have been missing you quite dearly because we did a lot of great things-went to school together, movies etc. but there is one thing I will never forget is you were always saying to believe in everything you do and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Cherryl
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I have lost many people throughout my life to heroin, which has lead to overdose or suicide. I was lucky I came back the times I overdosed and now do not use and help others who do. To all my friends I have lost over the years, you are all missed deeply and never forgotten. I miss you Snappy. You left us with a deliberate heroin overdose to end your life. Many tears are still shed for you even though it's been 14 years. Dread and Dan you are missed by many. So many friends gone. You will never be forgotten. Love always and forever. Your friend MMish
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My message to parents please don't lock your doors to your child my son passed at home in his room16 months ago I'm so happy I never threw him out who knows where he would of passed I'm sorry for all of us it's a piece of us we will never get back I truly hope some how this will stop
Tonawanda nyKym -
KENNY MILLER. Died October 1, 2012 Husband of my heart, we didn't have the ceremony but my husband you were. I can't seem to get past you being gone, I love you so much. You were my best friend , partner, the best and most caring lover I've ever known, and such an awesome unconditionally loving father. I could never have imagined this to be the end for you. God I still can't function, I miss you every moment it seems. Please look down on us all and give me the strength to stand up again and be a great mom. The babies need us and I need to find the strength to let go of the guilt and be mom and dad to them. God babe they miss you so deeply. Little Nicholas is becoming you. He fixes everything when they come (which is often babe). Rilee wants you to fix the toilet when you wake up and Delaney and Miranda write poems to you constantly. Never fear I hold them all near and I'll find a way to make them avoid our mistakes. I just wanted to see you one last time but your sis said no, she wouldn't let me. She blames me and it is so sad. Our heartbroken family has so much good to share about you, about the best years of your life. I will always always love you and fill our children's hearts with your memory babe. It's not fair - God! Life's never fair. Love Sloaneyour wife Sloane
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To my son Stephen <3 There is nothing sadder than wasted talent...We talked about it so many times... I'm so sad that your life was cut short... I know that you're at peace now… But I am selfish I want you here ...I miss my son so much :( Love you always ..
Mount Olive, NJ, USALisa -
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.Anonymous
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Ryan C Ritter 3-2-83 - 2-25-16 Forever loved and so very missed RIP Ryan
Posted 22/08/2018
Leslie Ritter -
My son Simon told me on the 4th of June about his addiction, he then went in to long-term rehab in Oct 2014 which was for 6 months.On the 31st of January the rehab center phoned me at 8.45am to tell me my 20 year old son was dead. He had been in rehab for 4 months. The shock, pain and overwhelming unbearable feelings as a mother, for his father and brother..I can`t even begin to explain. I spoke with my son 4 days before his death and he was happy about getting out of rehab, making plans for his future etc etc and now there is nothing. Its all over and just gone, my family had planned to visit him on the 5th of march which would have been his 21st birthday - which is one week from today, and now nothing. My son was the most kindest, sweet-hearted person you could have known. He never saw fault or badness in anyone.I´m not just saying this because he was my son, anyone who knew him or meet him would tell you the same thing. I can´t begin to say how we are going to cope with never seeing him again, never be able to tell him again how much we love him but I can say that for 20 years I was the mother of a wonderful, beautiful son who give me so much joy and happiness any parent could wish for.So now even though i´m broken and can never be fixed again, even though a part of me died with you Simon, thank you for all the amazing memories you gave me. We love you, we miss you and life will never been the same without forever and always.Your mum, dad and brother Patrick.Michelle
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I lost my dad to an overdose when I was just 12 yeats old. 8 years later, I lost my cousin to an overdose just 9 days after my birthday. Overdose Awareness has now became an everyday topic in my life. I know the pain of watching a family member suffer along with the whole family suffering as well. 💜
Washington DCBreanna -
Sic itur ad astra, Boy...you are stars. Daniel, 1969 - 1995.Girlie
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This world was not meant for you, you were destined for the heavens...may peace be with you always. Love eternally, HeatherHeather
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My little sister passed away April 2nd 2015 from a heroin overdose. She was only 24 years old. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her or think about her. I love her so much I wish so much that I could have done more for her and maybe her story would have ended differently. She left behind two little boys who miss her terribly. And my kids her nieces and nephew who adored her. We all lost a big piece of us when she left us. But we know she is watching over us. I love you baby sis. Fly high baby girl. RIP Breanna Nicole Pyatt I love for always and forever to the moon and back you big sis. St.louis MOMelissa
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Seeing my only son, Timothy, struggle with heroin addiction was heartbreaking and confusing. The disease took it's course, despite the attempts to stave it off. Travel, rehab treatments (x 3). No diversion was enough to permanently stop the heroin from taking Tim's life. Even the 911 call and the Narcan on that last day woke him up for a few minutes and then he spiraled out of consciousness and was gone. How can anyone be consoled from this loss? I miss him every day, hour, minute. How sad it is that Tim died at 29 years young. He lived an amazing life and was an accomplished scuba diver and world traveler. He loved books and films. Intelligent and humble, Beautiful person inside and out....I think of all the good things and try to stay so busy, but, the loss is too significant for me to express. There simply are no words. Thank you for the time that I had with this beautiful child. Thank you to the people that try to still bring happiness to my broken heart. I love you Tim. Sweet dreams forever.Mary
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The day you left us we all changed forever...you were the life of our family and the glue that held us together. None of us will ever be the same. To say we miss you is the biggest understatement. I love you so much and cant wait for one of your hugs.....mom.
Posted 21/08/2018
Sharon -
We Love & Miss You!! Our Family, Our Friends! Our Angels In Heaven! In Loving Memory of Jamie Lee McCabe & Brittany Jean Lovely ?Tammy
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Dear Jeff, I miss you so much. I think of you every day. I wish I didn't have to post a message like this, I wish I could tell you in person and hug you tight. I would bring you back to Belgium with me if I could, maybe you would have had a better life there. Your little girl is so beautiful, she still misses you and thinks of you every day. You'll always be my big bro and I love you so much. I'm so sorry you're not here.Heather
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We lost our beautiful 29-year old son on Oct. 19, 2014 from a heroin overdose. He was in a coma for a week before we had to let him go. Every day since then has been a challenge. My husband and I lost our first born, my second son lost his brother that he really didn't have time to reconnect with after so many years apart while Colin was trying hard to get his life in order. Colin leaves behind the love of his life with whom he had just purchased a "real fixer upper" and was in the process of thoroughly remodeling it when the drug took back control of his life. Our lives have been devastated, but we know Colin would want us to go on and be as happy as possible, while he is watching us from Heaven. I miss his smile, his constant energy, his intellect, and the way he took care of me like kindred spirits take care of each other. I was his "momito," Words can not explain our grief. CAV, we miss you bigger than the world.Cathy
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March 19th 2016 is the day I lost my sister. She passed away of a heroin laced with fentanyl overdose. I will always remember her for the happy amazing person she was. She always put others before herself and always made sure her children had everything they needed. Her children were well loved by their momma, and now that she is gone there will always be a part of our hearts missing. A void that can never be filled. Though she would have wanted us to be happy and not cry at her loss it's impossible. Her name is Amber Toth (Parwulski) . She was 29 when we lost her. She had a birthday that just passed. October 25th she would have been 31 . Amber was outgoing, loving, kind hearted and she has an amazing personality. Anyone who knows her knows that. Her love still dwells within and she will never be forgotten. I love you Bobo , love your baby sister Nikki
Buffalo NyNichole -
Dear Richie, George and Ryan, Always in my heart and will never be forgotten xxxx LizLiz
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R.I.P. Kevin Michael Warner. You were an intelligent genuinely good person. I am so sorry your life was so painful. I hope you are at peace with your son and know how very loved you are. Northport, New YorkAli
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To all, My thoughts are with you, Nikki.Nikki Schliker
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To my older brother, I never pictured losing you, I always fought you and thought you had it under control. I remember being so angry when you expressed your love for needles. I didn't know, I'm mad at you, but you were on that trip that had only a few stops and they are never good ones. I know I am not alone in losing you, that was apparent at your funeral, but man it hurts a lot. Its been almost three weeks and been about five since I last saw you. I know I'll never see you again on earth, I sure hope you have found you heaven. When I see you again, I hope we can figure it out better next time. I love you so much and can't begin to understand how much I'll miss you... I already do so muchYounger Bro
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There's so many stories of heartbreak out there, famous and everyday...and the only ones I can think of right now are: (1) James Groen, my uncle who died from a heroin overdose in May, 2005. A wild-card, he had progressed through the drugs and into heroin, until one day he got sick of himself...and simply vanished. Just over 3 years later, my mom and her mom and sisters received the news he was gone. It wasn't until his memorial when several others attended, uninvited, and had something very important to share: he and they were in Narcotics Anonymous and he turned his life around, even earned his 3-year coin, until he got surgery and the Oxycontin wasn't working as he'd hoped, so he bought some heroin...and the first injection was his last. That was a hard blow once the facts all sifted down, nobody ever thought he'd attempt to make up for all those years...but he tried. And I can't ignore or dishonor that. I wonder what he'd have become and what he'd teach us all, had he lived. And (2) Anissa Jones, who was known the world over as Buffy from "Family Affair", the first girl I ever fell for...when I was 2. And I fell HARD. Devastatingly beautiful, so charming...and so pressured and lonely in real life. My heart broke when I learned of her passing and it remains broken to this day, 40 years later. She loved kids, her brother Paul, poetry, the ocean, doing things for others...and so much more. She deserved so much better. I wonder if she ever really knew how many countless thousands upon ten-thousands upon hundred-thousands upon millions of us adored her...and what we'd have given her to see her happy, for all the happiness she gave us. That never leaves my mind. I'd have given anything. And I mean that. That's how much she meant. Love and miss ya both, rest peacefully always. -- RobRobert
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I wish you were still here Taryn. The world is darker without you.Neil
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Christian Thomas Toner "Turtle"
Knoxville, tn
I miss you so much. You was my very best friend the closest person I had to me. Its so hard to accept that this disease took you away way too soon. I think of you everyday and love you with all my heart and soul!Tia -
To my beloved son Aleksandr 1966-2012 God healed my son from drinking and drugs abuse,he was a very successful paramedic,but he had ingured his back and shoulder,and after 6 years of sobriety he overdosed on percoset. Dear God have mercy on all of us who are going through the vally of death.With Gods love to all of you dear brothers and sisters.MilaMila Cohen
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To my uncle Pete, I am sad so very sad that you died alone, so young, your future taken from you. I am sad, so very sad that my cousin lost his dad. I am sad so very sad that my nan grieved in silence. I am sad so very sad that your sisters, brother and parents lost your future too. Your niece, EmmaEmma
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My precious son, Joey, 4/8/83-9/19/05. A kind, loving, gentle soul. An artist, poet, and musician. A friend to all with a smile that would light up a room. The world is darker without your physical presence, but your light still shines in our hearts. I wish I could have saved you. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always... Love, MomLeslie
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Tyler James Naso 7/24/91-9/24/16 Died too young! Tyler was found by his cousins in a hotel room the morning of his big brother's (my oldest son's) wedding. He had a bright smile and sparkling eyes, but could never seem to find his way. Each day without him seems like a thousand yet it seems like yesterday that he died. I love when people talk about Tyler to me, but it does make me sad. We miss him immensely, but we are so grateful for 25 years of so many wonderful memories and times together. It doesn't matter how many times we tell them drugs lead ultimately to death they never believe it will happen to them. Rest in Peace my precious son, and may others live because you have died. Love, MomSandi
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I have so many names so many friends and family I remember during holidays birthdays different smells different places I go all remind me 😭😭 I'm a recovered addict who no longer walks that path but to JASON ISAAK (RIP) LES LORRAINGER (RIP) GREG GORDENER (RIP) I pray that these three inpaticular may finally find the peace they never could find in life 😭😭. And to my nephew and loved ones friends who are still battling and fighting the demons I pray each day that you may find the desire and will to escape seek rehab and get well!! THE PATH TO RECOVERY IS THE DOOR TO LIFE, I MET JESUS THERE.
BurienTerra Macias