International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest 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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Tributes to lost loved ones

My son TK is 28 he has overdosed many times he is in jail now because they found him in his jeep dead the rescue shocked him and brought him back Thank GOD he has put himself in rehab after rehab around 15 times never court ordered it seems he will never get off heroin! all I do is pray he gets out of jail next month he has been locked up five months so he WILL OVERDOSE when he gets out. I am so AFRAID no answer PRISON OR DEATH seems like their only option. thanks MELINDA FROM MENTOR OHIO

Melinda

R. I. P. Christopher Nelson. You will be missed. I love you. You were the best boyfriend a woman could have.

Linwood PA

Theresa Beaumont

I will forever miss you! Love you Sara Kathryn.

Adrienne

My dearest and closest friend Joy you have now been gone just over 2 months. My heart will remain broken for my lifetime and every minute of every day you are in my thoughts. I always promised I would always be there for you no matter what and I have failed to protect you from what happened, for which I am eternally sorry. My best friend you will always be and you will never be forgotten even for a second. I miss you so much my dearest Joy and I hope you are in heaven being the angel as you were here on earth. You meant everything to me, and that will never change. Rest In Peace Joy Miclat. 08/06/1979 - 15/07/2013 I will love you always and forever. xx

Simon

To my number 1 son, my boy, my Ryan I will miss you forever but love you far longer than that, It still hurts just as much as it did the first day. Almost 3 years without you. James Ryan Woods - 24 April 1981 - 16 June 2016. forever 35 I love you my Son, mum. xxxxx Posted 06/06/2019

Natalie Wallace

Brad, your family and friends buried your body today. But your spirit lives on in your children .... and in all the words of encouragement and wisdom you gave to those around that were struggling ... and in the house of your heavenly Father. You were -- are -- the finest man I've known. I was proud to call you a friend. I was honored to stand beside as you courageously faced your struggle with addiction and emotional pain. I dreamed of watching you grow into your hopes and dreams. I looked forward to watching your children grow and mature under your wise leadership. But the evil that is addiction took you away from us far too soon. I love you and will always miss you, Brad.

BILLINGS, MT USA

Kris

In memory of Bess Davis 1999-2016 who's struggles ended her life to early. Your Sassy ways and your caring approach will be missed in the Austin community for years to come.

Mark

In loving memory of Tommy Arnold. Addiction does not care how you were raised, what color you are, how smart you are or how much money you have. This has to stop and it will only stop by more awareness and early prevention.

Autumn

My son died of a heroine od in Jan. 2016 I believe it was preventable if given the right treatment. He was dropped off at a sober house all alone and nervous, he was dead in 24 hours after being clean for 75 days. My heart is broken and forever changed. Narragansett, RI

Tina Peterson

Dear Josh, I feel like time has frozen for me since July 3, 2020, when I got a phone call about your passing. I saw that you had tried to call me that night and sent me a flurry of text messages that I never got the chance to respond to because I was asleep, lost in deathless death. I have so much guilt and there is nothing that I wouldn't give to have answered that call, even if it didn't end up preventing what happened, just so I could hear your voice once again. I miss you every hour of every day. You didn't realize how charismatic you could be; I've never seen anyone get out of trouble more. Your sense of humour was hilarious. You were generous. You took care. We talked a lot about our futures and I felt how much you wanted all the things that we would spitball. You will be frozen in my mind forever at 28, gone far far too soon, departing us mere mortals who were kept in awe of you, you who seemed to be able to transcend us all when you were focused on a particular cause or topic. You were a very special person and I wish I could have thanked you for being a part of my life and let you know how much I truly loved you. Alex

Alex

In loving memory of my brother Christian 💔 in my heart and on my mind every second of every day. Missing you and loving you always forever young. 12/26/87 - 09/04/2012 Posted 03/07/2019

Kim Campanella

This is for my lil sis Bridgett Gable Nichols (32) who we lost December 6 2014. She left behind 2children and I know she is my angel that is helping me stay clean so I won't end up leaving my kids as well. I will always be there for them as if they were mine. I'm so sorry your addiction won in the end an now we no longer have you here with us. I promise to always stay clean an sober for you sis...this is for you. Thank you God for my clean life an my family...I just wish she could have done the same thing an got and stayed clean. Until we meet again lil sis XOXO.

April

Kristian Reid Nelson My love will be loved forever, and missed always. 08/29/1998 08/25/2017

Amy

Scottie, My brother. You were such a beautiful man with a bright smile and squinty eyes. Your big bear hugs brought me so much security and warmth during the times we held each other. I wish I could have a million more of those hugs and be able to hear your laugh or see your smile instead of listening to videos and looking through pictures. Your death haunts me daily. The grief and thoughts of what could have been done and said. What more could we have done. I have never seen someone fight addiction as hard as you did and you did it all for your family. I wish you would've stayed away from this town; part of me thinks you would still be here if you did. It has been less than a year since you left us but it feels like a lifetime. I ache. Tonight I fell to the ground, wondering if you felt all the pain when you left this world. Were you scared? Were you at peace? Did you think about all of us who loved you? I am so proud of what you overcame when you were here and what mark you left in this world. Your daughter misses you. She is getting so big and looks more and more like you every day. I love you, Scott. I miss you like hell. Posted 24/09/2018

Kaylee

I lost my beautiful daughter Amanda Lynn on 02/10/20 after a ten year struggle with addiction. She is now forever 37. Her 3 children miss her everyday and so do I! In her honor, I continue to help others on their recovery journey.

Paula

My dearest, Ryan. In a few months it will be 3 years since you’ve been gone from this world and moved on to everlasting peace. I feel comfort in knowing you are finally free. It still doesn’t help me from crying often and thinking of you every day, but it does help in some way. I just miss the hell out of you! I love you always, and thank you for my dragonflies and butterflies that first summer 💜

Posted 12/07/2018

Melissa

Dearest Jamie, I miss you more than words can say. Your smile,your sense of humor and your huge personality. I wish things had been different, I wish I had known how to help you more. Your passing has left a huge hole in my life and in my heart. I wanted so much more for you in life. I hope you know how much you were loved. No mother should ever have to bear witness to their child's life ending. I love you so much and these 2 years have been so hard without you. Oh God, how I wish things had been different. Your forever loving mother, 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 Posted 26/08/2018

Teresa

Russell Scott Newsome, 8/12/99 - 3/6/2018. My youngest boy, lost at 18 years old to fenanayl. Father of 2, daughter and a son born 2 months after his passing. You were a loving father, son, brother and friend. The tragic loss has devastated many and the grief is overwhelming. I love you my son and I am so sorry that I couldn't help prevent this. Mr President...please step up the pace in the war on drugs because we are all still loosing.

Posted 07/08/2018

Debora

Stewart bulmer, you left us to early, you left us to young, Your forever in my heart and mind, Never far away. Your an angel now Rested and free We will meet again one day my love, Forever missed and dearly loved, love leah xxoo

Leah

Blessed and thankful to have my son here, after a heroin overdose. Please keep him in your prayers for the strength to fight everyday to stay clean. Bradenton, Fl.

Kathy

I would like to post a tribute to my son, Colin Ryan Clifton. His addiction was caused by an orthopedic injury. He was in a head-on collision at work. He was not at fault but fired from his job. His insurance was canceled. He had surgery months later. His MD gave him Opiates and he quickly became addicted. My son didn't drink and was against drugs. He was a very good young man. How could this happen? He had never even gotten a speeding ticket. He ended up on Heroin. He died from a mixture of methadone and Clonazepam. The doctor gave him the Clonazepam. This should not have happened. This happens to GOOD people. Colin was 28 years old. R.I.P. Colin 12/10/84 to 09/04/13

Posted 20/08/2018

Kathy Brown Clifton

In remembrance of my baby sister, Emily Smith-Vanderpool who went to be with Jesus on November 16, 2016 after an accidental opiate overdose along with a lethal combination of medications prescribed by her physician. I found her alone, face down on the bed in a hotel in South Carolina and I will never be the same. I love and miss you terribly, Emma... but I know I will see you again soon on the other side of life.

Tiffiny

Rest In Peace to my Friend Peg. Overdosed: serequel January 16, 2020 passed away January 19, 2020. I hope you found your happy ever after..fly high friend..I wish my words could’ve done more to encourage not to end it all. God be with you and your family. I’ll always wonder for the rest of my life if you really meant it when you said you weren’t going to do it or if you only told me that so I wouldn’t be alarmed and come and rescue you like last time. Anyway, fly high my friend. I understand that dark place..

Elle

Stephen Koback, 24 - May 25, 2014 Edie Marino, 26 - March 19, 2014 Sarah Pancras, 24 - June 4, 2010

Michael Dronebarger

Tomorrow I have to bury one of the greatest people I have ever met due to one of the worst kinds of diseases known as addiction. I will cherish every memory I have with John and try and educate others to possibly prevent someone else's best friend from leaving their side. Do not give up on the people you love due to their addiction, and do whatever you can to guide them to recovery because the pain of losing my best friend is like no other and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I am so happy discover IOAD exists. I love and miss you so much John and will never ever forget you or the memories we share. You always brought brightness to every dark day and I hope you can rest in eternal peace. Love you to infinity. -Mander

Amanda

Our son Matthew age 26 passed away 2013 from a heroin overdose.He was such a kind soul miss him dearly. Tried so so hard to save him me and his father. Just so sad. Was our only son.

Matthew

My Darling Paul Its only been a little over a year and I miss you more to day then ever. I know our sister feels the same and we grieve together, trying to comfort each other. but the pain never goes away and the sadness still lingers and the loss s to much to bare. I keep your urn on my hutch and talk to you everyday, I kiss your urn in the morning, and long for you in the flesh to just speak back to me and say good morning sissy! I talk to you threw out the day and sing your favorite songs on the radio, i remember the good times and try to share the memories with anyone who will listen. I try to keep your spirit alive, keep you memory fresh, and honor your existence for the short time you was on this earth. I hate that you was going threw so much pain, you turned to a deadly drug to cope instead of me or our sister. I can never understand why you did not reach out to me, i would have done anything for you, Your gone and i can never have you back, nobody can.

Tanya C

RIP Gone to soon, we will always love and miss you! Joey woodstock

Katy Hayes

To my dearest brother, you lost your battle to the devil 6 years ago today. You are missed more than words could ever describe but your memories give me the strength i need to proceed. In my heart is where I will keep you until we meet again. RIP Your little sister

Your little sister

Anthony C Ezzell 11/28/79 - 08/25/13 Loving son, brother, cousin, uncle and father A very funny guy....We love and miss you ..... Rest in Peace❤ Mechanicsville, MD

Karen Boswell

On 10/15/14 I lost my beautiful 25 yr old son to a herion od. I will forever be grateful for him in my life. I pray for all moms who have this eventful loss. Keith William Cody Wdowikowski 9 9 89....10 15 14

D.Wdowikowski

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

Bonnie Bearor

I found your website and feel compelled to respond as I sit silently in a hospital room with the love of my life . Watching his vital signs, securing his oxygen tubes, waiting for him to wake up from this nightmare to get back to our wonderful life . Last night someone gave him heroin for the first time, and within minutes he stopped breathing, turned blue, and went into pulmonary arrest. I watched in horror as many people tried to save his life while he remained completely unresponsive . He was intubated in the ambulance and given prompt medical treatment which saved his life. He is mostly unconscious today while he suffers with aspiration pneumonia and withdraw symptoms. He will likely discharge from the hospital in a couple days . We were lucky, very, very lucky! My heart breaks for those whose loved ones don't wake up from this nightmare ....such a sad, sad, waste of precious lives ?. Why do we seek quick fixes? Fast highs from substances that take our souls? I see today is international drug overdose awareness day ---oh how very aware I am now ! I knew better, he knew better, we were not ignorant to the reality that alcohol and drugs destroy and kill! We have lost many family members and friends to addiction and overdose. Yet we give into temptation anyway! We risk our lives anyway, we risk the horror that others must face in our wake ? I pray that God will help and free us all!

Grace

Jordan Spencer Clark Here we are in November... 3 years ago you were going on vacation with your family in Florida. It would be your last... You came back and turned yourself in and for 3 months almost no heroin. I had hopes you'd stay clean, even if it meant you and I did'nt continue as friends down this road. I still ask myself why? I still have no answers Jordan. But you saved me in a sense, My life has changed so much, I miss you each day buddy same as I miss Mom. Not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind. I wish you had made it and maybe by now you'd be settled down with a family of your own. I regret that, a life so short and what should have been so much ahead of you. Rest in God's Love my friend and KNOW you are LOVED and Missed.

Mick

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

Posted 30/08/2019

Randy

Remembering my cousin Danny. A good and caring friend. Sadly missed.

Bevin

God bless and keep you, Dear Son. Andrew Palmer 04/21/1989-10/09/2017

Peri

I love you and miss you so much every day dad. I will always remember the amazing memories we have shared together. Thank you for all you have done for me and helping me become the person I am today. We miss you so much and you will never be forgotten. 2/28/21 ♥️ 👼🏼

Nicole

To my son Alexander Ward Brossoit who died of a drug overdose at age 25 on 2/25/2014. He fought long and hard to beat his addictions. His actions and encouragement left a mark on the many who met him during his times in rehab. I will never forget the wonderful times we had together. Your great smile and sense of humor touched all who knew you. You are at peace, which helps me bear your loss. I will never forget you!!!!!!!!! Love Dad.

Ward Brossoit

Trenton Smith, a year ago on August 23rd my son lost his best friend. I know he will NEVER forget you and neither will my family. You were like a brother to Paul and another son in our family. We know you are safe and happy in God's arms. Love and miss you!!

Carie

March 14, 2011 will forever be the darkest day in my life when I received the phone call from my eldest son that his brother Michael had died of an apparent overdose. Michael, like so many young people we are meeting in this tribute page, was loved by so many. He was bright and funny and kind to all who knew him. He had struggled with addiction for many years, was on that roller coaster of getting clean and moving forward with his life, to falling back into the abyss. Throughout those years, he managed to earn a Master's Degree in education and looked forward to his dream of being a Special Ed teacher. The overdose came at a point when he was trying on his own to get clean. It was a huge mistake, and I will forever feel the guilt for not insisting he do so with help and supervision. He died at age 31, just months before he was to be in his brother's wedding. He will not know his new little nephew. His friends have married and are having children. Michael loved kids and would have been the best uncle to all of these little ones. Though I finally turned a corner in my grief and accepted that Michael is no longer here, I still have dark days when I cry easily and wish I could turn back time. I miss Michael every day. I think about what I might have done differently every day. And my heart breaks over and over again when I hear about another young person lost to this horribleness, another mother who will be living in grief. I am paralyzed to know what to do about this, except to begin to speak out loud about it. The shame I felt about how Michael died kept me from being able to tell people when they asked. Now I say it strongly. People need to know that beautiful young people with great potential are losing their lives to this addiction, and we need to find out how to stop this. Watch this TED talk if you haven't already, it will open your eyes and give you much to think about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs -- RIP Michael 8/17/79 - 3-14-11

Cathy

To my dearest Cameron lost to us on March 11th 2009. I miss you very very much and have done everything I can to make sure the loss of you was not in vain. I know you never wanted to go out that way and I wish every day that I could have stopped it. I hope you are looking down on us as we look up for you. x

Brodie

My son Edward Osmanski died on March 12th, 2020 at the age of 26 from a fentanyl overdose. He is one of over 2,000 deaths this year from this drug in Florida. My greatest hope is that no one who knew and loved him die the same way. It is truly a pandemic.

Cynthia

I will love you forever......George

Charity

In loving memory of my sweet baby sister, Amanda Sue Grant. 07/20/89-02/07/15 You're wings are finally free to fly... Brooksville

Stephanie Brown

My beautiful son, Scott Bradley Curtis was murdered by someone who gave him fentanyl on 9/10/18. He was a handsome, funny, loving son and father. Forever 26

Posted 04/10/2018

Susan

This is a tribute to my late husband Rodney Monson SHEA of Walnit Creek, CA. USA who died of a heroine overdose when my son Ryan was 23 months. Ryan is grown now and a wonderful father who doesn’t use drugs. Rodney RIP. Posted 02/08/2019

DonnaMarie

I run homeless charity Sussex Homeless Support, we have lost so many friends over the years, people with names, faces, family and we cared about them, gone..........but never forgoten.

Jim

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

Debbie

I love you and miss you more and more each day Hunter Frommelt. You will never be forgotten.

Kari