Losing someone you love to an overdose brings a pain that's impossible to put into words. Shock, unending questions, emotions you didn't even know existed. You’re likely trying to navigate blindly through this loss while carrying the weight of every moment that led up to it, all through a storm of feelings that seem to contradict each other. Sadness and anger. Guilt, relief and more guilt for having felt any relief at all.
The world doesn't always understand addiction. Instead of seeing it as the complex disease it is, some people still view it as a personal choice or moral failing. This can make you feel like you need to hide your grief or explain your loved one's death in ways that feel dishonest. You might worry about judgment from neighbors, coworkers, even family members who don't understand. When a death is tied to substance use, people may not know how to talk about it or speak in ways that feel minimizing or uncomfortable. This can make it harder to grieve openly and can deepen the sense of isolation many people feel after this kind of loss. Even among people who mean well and want to offer all of the support they can, many are not equipped to support in a way that offers any real relief.
The grief after this type of loss can feel so profoundly different than other losses. Questions may linger with no clear answers, and memories can replay in ways that feel relentless. Many people grieving an overdose loss find themselves stuck in a loop of what ifs. What if I had noticed something sooner. What if I had said something differently. What if I had tried harder. These thoughts can feel impossible to escape.
Support after overdose loss doesn’t always look like feeling better or finding closure. Sometimes it simply means feeling a little less alone. It might be hearing someone else put words to feelings you’ve been carrying silently, or simply sitting in a space where you don’t have to explain certain parts of your grief.
The right kind of support can be quiet and subtle. It may only come from people who truly understand this specific kind of loss first hand. From spaces where your loved one’s story doesn’t need to be softened or defended. From someone who never knew your loved one. From someone who never knew you before your loss.
All of these are reasons why it can be so hard to find the type of support you might need through this time. That’s why we’ve done our best to compile the most complete list of overdose-specific grief resources on the internet. No matter where you’re at in your grief, we hope you can find something in this list that will help.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - an estimated 5% of overdoses are suicides, here is a great directory of support groups specifically for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Alateen - A place just for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism.
Compassionate Friends - The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.
Eluna Network - Supporting Children, Teens, and Families Impacted by Grief or Addiction.
Grieving Out Loud Podcast - Angela Kennecke is a journalist who lost her 21-year-old daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning on May 16, 2018. Angela is “grieving out loud” to try to put an end to this epidemic by stopping the stigma and promoting the treatment of substance use disorder as the disease it is. Anyone coping with loss and looking for inspiration can benefit from listening to this podcast.
Families Anonymous - a 12 step fellowship for the family and friends of those individuals with
drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues. They host virtual and in person meetings.
GRASP - a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental forum, so that people grieving the loss of a loved one to substance use may share their feelings, stories, struggles, strategies and support with each other, honor their loved ones and grieve their losses.
The Grievery - hosts grief support groups specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Hanley Foundation - a compassionate and supportive resource designed to help families and friends navigate the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder with twice weekly Zoom meetings.
Herren Project - addiction grief support group for individuals grieving from losing a loved one to drug addiction, alcoholism, or a drug overdose. They host several meetings per week.
Learn2Cope - a peer-led support network that offers education, resources, and hope for family members and friends who have loved ones affected by substance use disorder.
LGBTQ Loss - A directory of LGBTQIA+ grief resources.
Love in the Trenches - offers a variety of free support groups to support families suffering the collateral damage of Substance Use Disorder. They offer both parent and sibling specific support groups.
#NotInVain - a group specifically for grieving moms.
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - a national nonprofit that provides hope through education and support to parents of adults dealing with substance use disorder. Weekly meetings are held at no charge across the country.
Team Sharing - support and friendship to grieving families while working to raise awareness of Substance Use Disorder and its impact on our communities.
The Sun Will Rise - free peer grief support for those who have experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use related causes. Check their calendar for in person and online meetings.
Shatterproof National Addiction Memorial - create an online memorial for your lost loved one.
Queer Grief Club - an online space where queer grievers can find solace, support, and build community.
Siblings Strong - This group is intended to provide support, resources, education, news and beyond for siblings who have lost a sibling to a substance related passing.
Forgotten Grievers - Loss of A Sibling - This is a group for anyone that has lost a Sibling due to addiction or overdose. This is a safe place for us to talk, share, vent, cry or even laugh.
The Compassionate Friends - This group is here to support any parent or anyone who identifies as parents or caregivers including step-parents, or grandparents who have experienced the loss of a child or grandchild due to substance related causes.
Affected by Addiction Support Group - This group is a safe space and support for anyone that has a loved one in active addiction, for individuals in recovery, or for anyone in active addiction themselves.
After the Storm - Grief Recovery after Addiction Loss - A smaller more intimate group for parents who’ve lost a child to substance use.
I Miss My Daughter - For parents grieving the loss of their daughter.
I Miss My Son - For parents grieving the loss of their son.
Team Sharing - This page is created for all Moms and Dads who have experienced the loss of their child through Substance Use Disorder (SUD) so we can lift up & support one another through our grief.
LostVoices Of Fentanyl Inc 501c3 - A grassroots nonprofit organization comprised of bereaved families and concerned citizens devoted to Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness and Prevention.
Dads grieve too - A support group specifically for bereaved fathers.
r/GriefSupport - Grief Support subreddit with many resources for substance use loss.
Grief in Common - a substance abuse loss forum.
Below is a collection of grief resources in each state. Because many overdose grief groups operate quietly due to limited funding, a lack of online presence can be common. We’ve done our best to find as many local resources as possible in each state but we understand some of the groups listed may still be outside of the area you’re able to travel to. In this case we have a few tips for finding support that may work better for you:
Ask the linked groups in your area: Reach out to the closest group to you in the list, they may know of a group closer to you or they may be able to offer support in a way that works better for you. Additionally, many of these resources offer online support even if they’re outside of your area so it may be worthwhile to browse the entire list.
Check harm-reduction and overdose-prevention programs in your area: Local syringe service programs, naloxone distribution sites, and overdose-prevention coalitions often host memorial events, support circles, or can quietly point you to grief resources that aren’t widely advertised.
Contact local treatment centers or recovery organizations: Even if they focus on treatment rather than grief, many addiction treatment centers know which support groups exist locally for families and those grieving overdose loss.
Tips for searching online: Try variations like “overdose support,” “addiction loss,” “substance loss grief group,” along with your city or state name.
Ask community health departments or public health offices: Local or county health departments frequently coordinate overdose response efforts and may know about peer-led grief groups or survivor support initiatives in your area.
Faith-based organizations: Some churches, synagogues, or community faith centers host overdose-loss support groups even if they are not advertised publicly.
Alabama GriefShare Support Groups
Not One More Alabama - Tools to help you cope with the loss of a loved one after substance use and find connection with others who are on the same journey
Alaska GriefShare Support Groups
Grief Center of Alaska - The Forget Me Not Grief Center of Alaska is a non-profit organization in Anchorage offering free community-based grief support, with a focus on children and teens.
Arizona GriefShare Support Groups
Eric's House - A community for healing after suicide or substance use loss.
Arizona Families Fighting Illicit Drugs 501c3 - Families coming together to fight the Illicit drug epidemic by advocating for changes to save lives and honor loved ones lost to this epidemic.
Arkansas GriefShare Support Groups
Hope Movement Coalition - a non-profit organization of family members who have lost a loved one to overdose or Fentanyl poisoning or have a loved one struggling with Substance Use Disorder.
California GriefShare Support Groups
Solace For Hope - safe and compassionate meeting places for family members and friends who have been impacted by Substance Use Disorder and loss.
Ronnie's House for Hope - support for children, teens, and their families following a death.
Mothers In Grief - dedicated to aiding mothers who have endured the loss of a child to substance-related causes
Jessica's House - offers many support groups including substance use loss.
SanDiegoCounty.gov - a directory of overdose grief groups from the San Diego County website.
Hinds Lifecare - Healing After a Loss by Overdose emerged in January 2024 as a lifeline for families in central California facing the intense impact of drug overdose or death by substance use.
Colorado GriefShare Support Groups
The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado - Peer support groups for survivors of suicide and substance-related deaths
HeartLight Center - Denver area peer support and educational group for people who have experienced a death loss where substance use, abuse or overdose are part of the life or death narrative.
Connecticut GriefShare Support Groups
Hope After Loss Groups - Support for anyone who has lost a loved one to a substance-related death, such as an accidental overdose, drug-induced suicide, or drug-related murder.
CT Parent Connection - Get help with questions or concerns about your child or loved one's
possible or confirmed use or misuse of substances.
Connecticut Angel Parents - support for parents who’ve lost a child to substance use in Connecticut.
Delaware GriefShare Support Groups
Delaware Overdose Awareness Day - Delaware Facebook support and news group.
Florida GriefShare Support Groups
Hanley's Family Support Group - compassionate and supportive resource designed to help families and friends navigate the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.
Project Noelle - supporting children who’ve lost a loved one to substance use.
Valerie's House - grief support for Florida children.
Team Sharing FL - grief support for parents in Florida who’ve lost a child to substance use.
Hawaii GriefShare Support Groups
Compassionate Friends Hawaii - grief support for families and friends in Honolulu.
Idaho GriefShare Support Groups
My Grief Connection - a directory of Idaho grief support groups.
Illinois GriefShare Support Groups
The Hero Foundation - open to anyone who has lost a loved one to drug overdose.
Illinois Grief Support Services Directory - a directory of support groups throughout Illinois.
Families Anonymous - a 12 Step fellowship for the families and friends who have known a feeling of desperation concerning the destructive behavior of someone very near to them, whether caused by drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral problems.
Indiana GriefShare Support Groups
Project Recovery So IN - grief support and other services in South Indiana.
Brooke's Place - support services for grieving children.
Overdose Lifeline - Created in response to the rising rates of overdose deaths in Marion County, Indiana, this program aims to expand support for individuals learning to navigate life after a loss.
Iowa GriefShare Support Groups
Steps of Hope - a community of support and encouragement for those impacted by substance use disorder.
Kansas GriefShare Support Groups
Hope After Loss - substance abuse grief support in Wichita Kansas.
Kentucky GriefShare Support Groups
The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families in Person and online groups.
Walking Beside You - for parents and grandparents in Kentucky grieving the loss of their child to substance use.
Louisiana GriefShare Support Groups
Traumatic Loss Support Program - traumatic loss support in Louisiana.
Maine GriefShare Support Groups
The Sun Will Rise - in person and online meetings.
Team Sharing ME - for parents in Maine grieving the loss of their child to substance use.
Maryland GriefShare Support Groups
Love in the Trenches - offers a variety of free support groups to support families suffering the collateral damage of Substance Use Disorder.
Team Sharing MD - for parents in Maryland grieving the loss of their child to substance use.
Massachusetts GriefShare Support Groups
Hope Floats Wellness and Healing Center - offers a variety of support groups including substance use loss in Massachusetts.
HALO Initiatives - support for families grieving a loved one lost to opioid overdose.
SADOD - a directory of support groups throughout Massachusetts.
The Sun Will Rise - in person and online substance use grief support groups.
Team Sharing MA - for parents in Massachusetts grieving the loss of their child to substance use.
Michigan GriefShare Support Groups
Ele's Place - a healing center for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families.
Team Sharing MI - for parents in Michigan grieving the loss of their child to substance use.
Minnesota GriefShare Support Groups
Survivor Resources - provides immediate and long-term grief support for family and friends affected by suicide, homicide, overdose, or accidental death.
Mississippi GriefShare Support Groups
The Junction Grief Center - offers a variety of support groups including traumatic loss support in Mississippi.
Missouri GriefShare Support Groups
Soul STL - for parents, partners, spouses, children, family, and friends who have lost a loved one due to substance use.
Montana GriefShare Support Groups
Open Aid Alliance - periodically offers overdose grief support groups.
Nebraska GriefShare Support Groups
Nebraska Loss - support for suicide grief throughout Nebraska.
Nevada GriefShare Support Groups
Adam's Place Las Vegas - Grief support in Las Vegas
Nevada Grief Support - for Nevada Moms and Dads who have experienced the loss of their child through substance passing.
New Hampshire GriefShare Support Groups
NH.gov - a directory of support groups throughout New Hampshire.
Angels that Bind Us - for parents who have experienced the loss of their child through substance passing in New Hampshire.
New Jersey GriefShare Support Groups
New Jersey Grief Support Team - for NJ Moms and Dads who have experienced the loss of their child through substance passing.
New Mexico GriefShare Support Groups
HeartLight Center - offers various support groups througout New Mexico.
New York GriefShare Support Groups
Beading Hearts - NY based organization with regular online meetings to help cope with the life-altering effects of the traumatic loss of a loved one to substance use or an overdose death.
Comfort Zone Camp - a camp for grieving kids.
S.O.A.R.S - Rochester New York.
The Compassionate Friends - for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one to substance use.
The Compassionate Friends Sibling Group - specifically for grieving siblings.
Team New York - for grieving parents.
North Carolina GriefShare Support Groups
Project Noelle - kids support in Watauga North Carolina.
Hope365inc - for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one through substance passing.
Ohio GriefShare Support Groups
Project Noelle - kids support groups throughout Ohio.
Hope After Loss - support group in Painesville Ohio.
Unspoken Bond Ohio - for parents who have lost a child to substance use.
Oklahoma GriefShare Support Groups
Hope After Loss - support groups in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, and Pawhuska Okahoma.
Calm Waters - An Oklahoma support group for anyone whose loved one has died in a traumatic event including substance use.
Grieving Good Oklahoma - support, encouragement and comfort for those that have lost a loved one to overdose.
Pennsylvania GriefShare Support Groups
The Center for Loss and Bereavement - offers several different support groups including substance use loss.
Phila.gov - Philadelphia support for these grieving the loss of a loved one related to substance use.
Team Sharing PA - for Pennsylvania Moms and Dads who have experienced the loss of their child to a substance use related cause.
Oasis Bethlehem - Our weekly Hopeful Hearts grief support group is specifically for adults (18+) who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to substance-related causes.
Rhode Island GriefShare Support Groups
Blue Skis Rhode Island - support group in Warren, RI.
Friends Way - dedicated to serving Rhode Island children and teens, ages three to eighteen, and their families.
South Carolina GriefShare Support Groups
Bridges of Hope - Support group in Charleston South Carolina.
SC Comfort Group - for those who have lost a child to addiction.
South Dakota GriefShare Support Groups
Emily's Hope - Support group in Sioux Falls.
SDSP Support Groups - Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls support groups.
Tennessee GriefShare Support Groups
Heartlight Center - Traumatic loss support group in Maryville Tennessee.
Knox County TN - Overdose support group in Knoxville Tennessee.
TN Overdose Prevention Family Support Resources - A directory of overdose support groups across Tennessee.
Team Sharing TN - Support groups for parents who’ve lost a child to overdose in Tennessee.
Texas GriefShare Support Groups
Bo's Place - Support group in Houston Texas
Hope After Loss - Support group in Arlington Texas
Utah GriefShare Support Groups
University of Utah - bereavement support groups provided by the University of Utah
Utah.gov - directory of Utah grief support groups.
Vermont GriefShare Support Groups
TeamSharing VT - Vermont Moms and Dads who have experienced the loss of their child through substance passing.
Virginia GriefShare Support Groups
Families Anonymous Richmond - For parents, adult relatives and friends, as well as others dealing with a family member's substance use disorder.
GRAPLErva - Grief and loss recovery group for anyone who has lost a loved one to substance use disorder or addiction.
Washington GriefShare Support Groups
Heartlinks Hospice - Support group in Yakima is for those who have lost a loved one to overdose or substance use disorder.
Wisconsin GriefShare Support Groups
HeartLight Center - Provides meaningful, accessible grief support and education so you can find the help and community you need, no matter where you are in your grieving process.
Wyoming GriefShare Support GroupsCelebrate Recovery - A faith-based recovery and grief support group.
