NAVIGATING GRIEF RESOURCES

Overdose/Substance Abuse Deaths

Losing someone to an overdose or substance use-related death brings a deep and complex grief. For many, the loss comes after years of loving someone through the struggles of addiction—navigating cycles of hope, fear, and concern. The grief may be mixed with exhaustion, unanswered questions, and a heartbreaking sense of what might have been.

In recent years, the risk of overdose has risen sharply due to the presence of dangerous and unpredictable substances—making these deaths even more sudden and devastating.

Families and friends often face stigma and silence, with their grief misunderstood or minimized. Others may not know how to respond.  This is known as disenfranchised grief—when the world doesn’t fully acknowledge your pain or offer space to mourn.

This page was created to offer compassion, connection, and resources for those impacted by overdose and substance use-related deaths. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your family, or your community, you are not alone—we hope you can find healing and understanding.