International Overdose Awareness Day

The world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

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Hosting or attending an International Overdose Awareness Day event is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have lost their lives to overdose.

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Post your tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose.

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Tributes to lost loved ones

Nathaniel passed September 11th 2009. I am a youth employment counselor and he was a youth I had known for 7 years. But he was more than a client – he was a friend, a son and a real warrior. His spirit walks with me every day in the work I do and calls me to do more for the youth I work for.

Tim Greenwood

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

In loving memory to my son Shawn Witter January 29, 1990 - May 11, 2017. I miss you so much my boy my heart aches. The herion devil took my son away. God bless us all.

Buffalo NY

Wendy

We lost our daughter October of 2016, it hurts so bad today just like it was yesterday. With a smile that could light up the night and a sense of humor that could lift you up no matter how bad your mood was, 28 years is just not enough. She was strong smart and was always there for her family. Her son was every thing to her. She made a bad choice, we all do. Unfortunitly just one more time, just one more time cost her, her life. If you have some loved one that is an addict, never give up on them, let them know you care and most of all let them know you love them.

Dennis

For my son, my life, my everything. Thank you for an amazing 20 years...your life has touched so many and you are thought of and talked about every day. You are forever the best thing I have ever done... Max 'The King' Cota 8/8/91-9/7/11

Laurie Cota

I lost my best friend Trev, accidentally. He was the most incredible good guy. Not a day goes past without me thinking about him. Its been 10 years, and I love him and miss him, like the day it happened. Rest in peace beautiful man xxxx

Pamela Bernal

Travis James Wilson passed away August 5, 2015. He was in a car with people he thought were friends, they drove around for almost 2 hours before they got him help. Fast forward to May 2017..... 5 years in prison to dealer, 18 months in prison to buyer, driver got slap on the wrist because he squealed on dealer. All will be on probation for 3 years. An eye of an eye would be a better sentence. But we, Travis' family and friends will always love and miss him, I pray I will see him again in Heaven

Medina, Ohio USA

Don & Sue WIlson

We love and miss you Joe! Our souls ache and our hearts limp since we lost you. Looking forward to our heavenly reunion one day! Love, Dad, Mom, and Liv

Jennifer

Dear Sweet Julie, you are missed and loved everyday. Its been 8 long years since you left us too soon, only 28 years old, beautiful, smart, and so much fun to be with. You will never be forgotten! Every time I go swimming, I miss my partner. We always had so much fun racing. You will be loved forever. One day we will meet again. Love Mom and Dad and Melanie.

Posted 12/07/2018

Nancy H

We miss you Jacob. You mattered and I am a better person because of you.. love mom

springfield

diane

My daughter Lily died on a stranger's couch Aug. 6, 2012. She had been living with mental illness for years and had enjoyed a year's sobriety in the company of many people who loved her. I think she thought she could just get away with it one more time. I am actually grateful she is done with all the suffering. But sometimes for me it's new again; I am turn and look into the empty gaping hole, I grind my teeth, fierce tears. No, it can't be.. never hug her again or hear her make a joke. She was 21. Blessed Be.

Liz

To my friend John Arman. We had an amazing summer having fun and not a care in the world. But I knew you had a problem with heroin and because I loved hanging out with you I ended up trying it out too. I was able to put it down and never look back. Unfortunately you didn’t. I heard you got clean and changed your life around. all it took was a slip up and a bad batch to end your promising life. You had your whole life ahead of you. All the friends you left behind miss you and love you and we all wish we could of done something to prevent this. I wish I could have tried to do something from preventing those drugs from ever reaching you. I wish the dealer who sold you the stuff was in prison and not able to hurt another person. I wish I could of at least said goodbye. I wish I would of found out sooner when it happened but I found out about your death years later. I wish I could of been there. Rest In Peace bro. I’ll always remember the fun times we had and I’ll always remember you were a good person.

There are no words to explain the pain I live with every day since I lost you. My big sister, my confidant, my friend and the only person on this earth who really knows me. The crazy thing is for years we all worried we would lose you to your addiction but the years went by and you raised a beautiful family and although you never stopped taking drugs we stupidly thought you had it all under control. After all you were still alive at 51. I was called to the hospital and I sat holding your hand while you were in an induced coma and I refused to leave you alone cause I knew you would never leave me if I was in hospital. At 3.15am I told the doctors something was wrong and they told me not to worry and it was at that time you died holding my hand. It took three days on life support for the doctors to conclude without doubt you were brain dead and a year for us to be told the cause of death was a hypoxic brain injury, the underlying cause opioid toxicity. I thought I was quite well educated in drugs after a lifetime of your addiction but I never knew there was such a thing. You were on the methadone program 24 years and no one ever suggested you get off it. I questioned that for years. Your addiction meant you still gladly accepted any other drug on offer including alcohol and all the while your body was quietly dying. You were the kindest soul I ever met and I know you would never want me to cry. But the thing is Deb you are just so hard to live without and I wish drugs never got hold of your soul and I wish you were still here. Until we meet again big sister Luv Ya Darlin xxxx

:lil sis

Kings County Behavioral Health would like to remember those people who have lost their lives due to an overdose: Larry Serreno, Eddie Perez Sr., Amanda, Slaude Lord Jr., Jason Cannon, Matt, Robert Owen, Archie Barron, Linda Hart, Michael Kelly, Thomas Girard Myers Jr.,Tessie Lopez, Richard Lopez, Danny Lord Jr., Brooklyn Tratny, Barbara West, Dane Brown, Amanda Mattos, Donna Kay, David Merado May these individuals and all those who lost their lives to an overdose related death rest in peace and may their family find comfort through all the memories of the moments they shared with them in this life. Posted 03/10/2019

Kings County Behavioral Health

In honor of my little brother... He accidentally overdosed on Boulder Colorado... he'd actually died a couple weeks prior...but it was difficult to identify him as many aliases. His death opened the door for me to begin my journey of awareness regarding addiction. March 5, 2004...

Monica

To the Lost Souls (Lisa and Dave) who have passed to the terrible drug heroin. I hope you have at last found peace. You died so young. I hope there are no more to add to the list. It seems all too common here and around the world.

Elizabeth

Boo,My Baby boy, who took part of me with him.. Posted 26/07/2019

SHEILA

I am writing in loving memory of Kari Hanson. You are lovingly remembered and greatly missed by many!

Not a day goes by that I dont think of you, Missing you always my Son Daniel Mulholland

Posted 30/08/2019

Randy

I lost my brother to a drug overdose on 4/10/16 and life has not been the same since. We miss him terribly. This is such a tragic & awful way to die. His addiction started years ago and developed from the use of opioid pain killers from chronic foot pain. He is no longer suffering from his pain and his addiction however he was only 40 years old and did not at all deserve to die so young. I miss him every day of my life.

Laney

In memory of my beautiful daughter who lost her fight and got called home. I believe that she fought as hard ad she could she had 9 months clean when she had a moment of weakness. She was left by someone who claimed to of loved her. My meddsge is please don't just leave someone who overdoses make sure they are breathing 911 is just 3 numbers please call. I love you baby girl

Flint Michigan

Linda Williams

This tribute goes out to my dear baby sister Megan July 31st 1986 till March 14th 2013. We never knew your struggle was that bad, we never had a chance to help you. We found out a week before your death that you were battling with the demon HEROIN. We watched you suffer for four days on life support after an accidental overdose. We hoped and prayed. Every movement gave me hope, hope you would open your eyes and argue with me, hope you would hug me back when I hugged your lifeless body but, my hope was shattered. You taught me so much and you were so brave. You never let us know you needed us so. You gave and you gave and never complained. I miss you, I needed you, we needed you, we love you. I will forever fight in your name to raise awareness, to support and love without shame. You know fly with the Angels, sit at a table with Daddy and you now have no pain, no addiction and no shame. Though I wish you came back to us on that cold March day, I can make it here knowing you are waiting for us in Heaven. Forever missed and I will love you for a lifetime ...'Ofa Atu sleep well in the arms of the Angels. Love your sister, Kel.

Kelli

Such a young life taken way too soon. You are loved and missed by so many but Kirsten took your death and turned her life around.She truly believes you left so she could live. RIP Michael Hubbard.

Debbie

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

Alana Lacey

To my oldest son,, that left me in flesh but never in heart and soul. Born Jan. 23rd 1983. Lost him on Aug.1st 2017. Our favorite quote always was "Always your Mother, forever your friend". Love you with all my heart Dan. Love Mom Posted 07/11/2018

Lynda

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, Emma

Emma

To my big sister, Ashley Marie Fasano: what I would say if I could talk to you just one more time... I am so sorry, I am sorry I couldn't save you. I am sorry I was so useless. I wish I could have done more for you. I am sorry you could never see how many people loved you. I am sorry for not showing it in the beginning when it first started... when you told me the last time we talked is when you needed to be loved the most. I'm sorry I failed you. It has been almost 6 months and I cry for you every single day. I just want to tell you sorry. But I can't because you are gone. I want to tell you I love you just one more time. I want to kiss you one more time. I want to hug you one more time but I can't, and it hurts because I never will. I am so alone and no one understands. I was told last month its been 5 months I need to move on. I can' t. And I don't want to. Even my own husband told me today " yea it sucks but you just hold it in you need to move on already." The times when I am at my lowest and feel the most alone I wonder if that's how you felt. It brings me understanding because if it wasn't for my kids I could be you. Everyone judges addicts but it can happen to anyone, so I acknowledge it could be me. I have to be honest with you, you have always been honest with me....it has crossed my mind. I once asked you why...why you do it. How does it make you feel. You said you are always sad you miss your kids they will never forgive you ... That the pain is such an immense feeling so overwhelming that you just get to the point that you are willing to do anything to get that relief. It numbs it. When you use the needle you literally lay back and feel that pain slipping away, as you go numb. But then that needle, that yes brings a type of relief to you, also takes a hold on you. Once it has that hold on you it is so strong so tight its suffocating. It takes hold of your mind and body. Its like you sold your soul to the devil because now it's not just numbing your pain you felt in your heart ...but now your body depends on it. No you said your body NEEDS it and it punishes you if you don't feed it with the needle. Then you went on to tell me the physical repercussions when you don't have the drug. You told me to never even try it, not even ONCE. Because that's all it takes. Its not worth it because it numbs the pain only for a little while....but it doesn't heal it. So for you, I can never go down that road. But it is so hard.... I won't lie. Man dealing with this pain just as I am right now especially when no one gets me. Just Like no one understood you, is THE hardest thing I have ever had to go through in my entire life. My mother abandoned me and the rest of her children when I was 6. I would so much rather go through that pain a million times over then have this darkness.. This pain, this sadness, emptiness, that I have carried with me everyday since March 27 2018. I carry the darkness and walk in this darkness alone and its scary. Its fucking scary. March 27th..... I say that day out loud everyday for some reason. I don' t really know why. But I try my damn hardest to stay strong because you are my big sister and you told me to. I will never try it because you told me not to. Not because I am stronger than you because I am not. Its because I promised you. Especially for my kids it brings me such pain to even imagine inflicting this type of pain on them. I could never do that to them. I would gladly walk in darkness and hide this pain than ever hurt them in that way. I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy. Never mind my babies. I never want them to ever have to feel this pain. But Ashley its hard. I miss you. I really thought I could save you. I am a failure . .I have failed you and for that I will never forgive myself. You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. I always said that even when you were alive. I was always in such awe of your beauty. I wish that beauty was still on this earth. But i will hold it in my heart. Every single day for the rest of my life...until I am no longer on this earth. I will never move on. Why should I be granted such a privilege when you are not here to do the same. I do not deserve that. Especially when I feel in my heart there's something I could have done more. Done better. I thank God every day you had my nieces man, they make my heart start beating again times I feel it slowing down.... If ever a mother loved her kids it was you. We are not perfect none of us are. I will never allow anyone to think otherwise of you. Out of all of us you endured the most. I don't care who agrees. It wasn't your fault for what happened to you. But you always had so much love in your heart. For a person that always said she did not feel loved, to me is such an admirable quality you had. You were always kissing everyone and pinching our cheeks and saying we are so cute. Your children will know of your love. That is my promise to you. I love you. It hurts knowing you will never read any of these words....but its something I also cannot change. No matter how much I cry. - Jessica

Posted 11/09/2018

Jessica

My heart goes out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones through this terrible epidemic. This is NOT getting any better. My daughter isn't even a statistic yet because the official figures for 2019 have not been released. My precious Taytay overdosed April 12th, after 9 years in and out of rehab centers and help groups. I thought love and support could save my daughter and boy was I wrong. She overdosed at my house and died in my arms. This was my worst nightmare and a memory that l have to live with everyday for the rest of my life. No matter what anyone has tried to tell me, as a father, I failed my daughter. This epidemic is not getting any better and it needs everyone's support, especially the States, insurance companies and the media. There are good people trying to help this cause but there are more that are more taking advantage of it. Everyday should be National overdose day. The pain is real and does not go away.

Steve

My dearest daughter Jennifer died of a meth overdose on 5/5/13 and I have no happiness without you. I love you

Claudia

Yvonne E. Castllo 48yrs old from Los Angeles, California my friend Ray Castillo Daughter

Jose

To my beautiful and talented son, Brian Pollard...Mother's Day 2016 you left this physical world. Your battle with heroin took you away, just past your 32nd birthday. I miss you so much, as do your sweet daughters, your brothers and family. When your brother Sean got married a couple of weeks ago, he scattered some of your ashes in the Frio River. Hours before the wedding I found 6 hawk feathers, so I know you were there with us. We used them in the flower arrangements on all the tables. I love and miss you so very much...it's amazing what the heart can endure. Rest in peace, my son, and know how much you will always be loved 💖

Meadview, Grand Canyon, USA

Cindy Sijan

Dear Peter, You are always in my thoughts and there seems to be a steady flow of reminders of you each day. The Allman Brothers are on the radio & I know you were a fan, along with The Beastie Boys & Bob Dylan & so many other great bands. You had a real feeling for music. The Cohen Brothers have another movie coming out & I know you'd want to check that out. It's football season again. You had to cope with not only The NY Jets, The NY Giants but The NE Patriots too. I drive by the beach & see some guys out there fishing and I always think of you. Sometimes I'll find myself reading the Fishing Report in the Falmouth Enterprise or The Cape Cod Times. One article was about Stripe Bass unexpectedly returning to some area again. What would you have thought about that? One day, a couple of years ago, I found a very tiny turtle in the yard. He seemed so out of place. I picked him up & brought him across the street to the Bird Sanctuary, where I hoped he'd be safe. And near some water. I thought he was a sign from you. Love, Aunty Cindy

Cynthia

Dear Katie You are the adopted daughter of my heart. You left us much too soon and your death was cruel. But you will live inside me forever with love and the privilege of knowing you.

Caroline

Joe Patterson Age 23 years. My only son. Died from a counterfeit oxy laced with fentanyl. Georgia's first prosecuted counterfeit pill homicide. He left behind a son he never met. Who is now my little boy

Posted 16/08/2019

Lisa Hicks

Rob, I know things were hard, and I truly wanted to believe things would get better. You were so strong, and outspoken with people - your mannerisms, the way you treated people - and especially me, your Mother. I never, ever doubted that you loved me unconditionally, as I loved you. You will always be my baby, your life ALWAYS mattered, and your life, for me and for your brothers, will always matter ...you were a part of who we are and we will never forget you. Be strong up there, and help others, and I look forward to getting the largest hug in the world when I see you again. Until then, my son, rest peacefully and I hope and pray you are finally free. All my love, now and always, your Mother (and brothers Nick and Jeff)

Janet

My Dearest Son, Life is so different without you here. So much hurt daily without you here, most of all your children. Losing you to a drug your doctor put you on is so hard for me to accept. I wish I could just see you face to face. Time is no healer to losing a child. It does not become easier, just different. And when you lose your child to a drug, it makes the heart sadden not just because of the child you lost but to all the parents who say goodbye to their child because of drugs. It seems the numbers are rising. It’s Heartbreaking. I miss you so much son . Love to Heaven Mom Daris S. 11-28-1980 – 11-03-2010 forever young

Leanna Green your Mom

In loving memory of Brendan McDonald 9/6/1985-8/10/2013.

Nancy

Richard, our beloved son, died at his home on 3rd July 2015. He was 38years old. Heroin overdose took his life. Richard, we will all love you and treasure your memory for ever. We miss you, there is a big hole in our lives, and we grieve so much for you. We will always hold you safe in our hearts. Rest in peace dear son. Mum and Dad.

Hilary

To my precious son, Ryan. I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for giving me 24 of the best years in my life. I will be with you again. Love forever, Mom

tina koch

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

Hope

Scott, I think of you every day. How could I not? Mental illness took over. I am so sorry for that and wish there was something anybody could have done for you. Yes, you were the smartest person in the room but you were also the funniest. It was a struggle that was not to be overcome. I hope you are at peace. You knew this to be your destiny. That's sad. I hung out with you for a while at the cemetery today. Too many other young adults there for the same reason. 8/9/79-12/15/12. Mom

mom

My jovial son Gary, You were so full of life and everyone around you felt the joy you carried. I still can't believe your gone from this earth. I love you more than words can say. I miss you more and more each and every day. I will carry you with me until I join you in heaven. Love, Mom Delaware

Tareasa

Justin, When I heard you had died I was sad. When I learned it was heroin that took you away I was mad. Why? Could I have done more? While I was just the mom of your best friend, I have so many memories of you two as friends. Best friends since first grade. Through thick and thin, you two were always there for each other. I know he worried about you and was happy when you would get clean. Now you are gone, a life cut short, before it had barely begun. My heart is heavy with the pain of those who loved you and have lost you. Rest in peace, watch over us from above, you are now free, fly free. Justin Marshall Cranmer 2/25/92-6/4/13.

Sarah

How I wrote it in my recent local paper...
https://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/p/opioid-crisis-take-it-personally-moments-notice/1683971

Edmonds, WA

Maria

I found out about this overdose organization literally today. It took me back to my accidental overdose of prescription pills over a year ago. The overdose caused me to have two seizures. As a result of the seizures, I aspirated so much vomit into my lungs. I had full blown pneumonia, and my immune system was completely destroyed. I was on life-support for 14 hours and put into a medically induced coma. I was not expected to live. However I did manage to pull through. When I came out of the coma, I could feel all the tubes going into my body. I was in so much pain. The one thing I remember was looking towards my mom crying that I love her and that I was so sorry for what I had done. After a week or two of being out of the hospital, I had to go back due to getting a blood clot in my arm. Looking at myself today, it has been a long, traumatic journey for me. After I began my recovery journey I was told that another 18-year-old in the exact same situation as I was in (overdose) had passed away. This girl was the same age as me, had the same overdose as me and died that night. That could have been me. I don't know what my family would have done. I have been clean for a year and eight months. I am beyond thankful for being given a second chance of living my life to the fullest. Learn from my experience and do not let drugs of any type get the best of you.

Caitlin

My son Ryan will have been 32 this coming October 29th. I promised him I would keep him safe when I held him in my arms as a baby. I lied. I could not protect him. Not from the addiction. I tried. God, knows I tried. I am just a mom. My heart broke that day. I have not recovered. Oh, I get up and I put on my make up. I go to work. I talk to people. I smile. I say I am ok. I lie to them. I cry every day. Truth is, I just plain miss my boy. He was funny, sweet, quirky, sensitive. He brought home a homeless person for Thanksgiving dinner when he was 11 one year. Yes, he actually brought home a homeless person. Said "Look who followed me home, Mom?".....not a puppy, not a kitten.... a person. That was our Ryan. He was in recovery, then relapsed. He couldn't sleep and used....that was all it took. He never woke up. He just drifted away from us. I would take his place in a heartbeat. He was only 30....so much life left to live. I miss him so. Wait for me at the gate son....Mom Visit him at Ryan P Frye virtual memorial.com say hello.... thank you!

Jeanne

Today I think of the mates over the years who died due to overdose. Tom, Tim, Poully and Benjamin. I miss you.

Andrew

Alexis Lenti much loved and adored daughter of Frank and Maureen. Mother of Brayden

A person never knows what strength they have until there is no other choice.

Worcester MA USA

Kathryn

One week ago I lost my beautiful son to a heroin overdose. He was a smart, kind, and loving young man. He fought a long hard battle against this disease and I’m so proud of him for his effort. My life will never be same. I miss him so. Posted 03/11/2018

Bobbi

In loving memory of my baby brother Kyle John Parzych. Kyle lost his battle with addiction a little over 2 years ago at only 22 years old. 4/4/92-7/7/14 I love you always Ky

Caitlyn

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31st August