Defined as “a time to remember, a time to act.”
International Overdose Awareness Day is defined as the world’s campaign to end overdose, to remember without stigma our loved ones, and to acknowledge grief of the family and friends left behind.
Whether you think of grief as a structured process or a lifelong commitment, it is hard to lose someone you love to an addiction, disease, or misjudgment. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this grief and your person deserves to be recognized for more than their struggle or that last moment.
Today, on August 31, I encourage you to remember your loved one, to think of their laugh, and to acknowledge that you are never alone. There is a community surrounding you. I encourage you to volunteer, donate, share media content, and provide others the appropriate space to remember.
We are not alone and, on behalf of all recovery advocates, we’re not going anywhere.
-Post created by Traci Willis, LSW