The commercial website SpringHillRecovery has a page of good information about coping with a death caused by an overdose. Please read the page. Here are the opening paragraphs:
Grieving the loss of a loved one to drug and alcohol abuse doesn’t look the same for everyone. Understanding what to expect after experiencing loss, and how to move forward, can help you determine a path towards healing that feels right for you.
Drug and alcohol abuse is a widespread struggle across the United States. Over 21 million individuals nationwide are estimated to have a substance use disorder (SUD), including addiction to alcohol and opioids.
Without treatment, substance abuse can become life-threatening. From 1999 to 2018, nearly 450,000 people in the United States suffered a fatal opioid overdose. And in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, federal health agencies have reported an alarming spike in national opioid overdose deaths.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), more than 40 states have reported increasing drug overdose deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. This comes as addicted individuals are more isolated, and are potentially facing job loss, housing instability, and lesser access to substance abuse treatment services.
In addition to opioids, other deadly drugs include:
- alcohol
- methamphetamine (meth)
- cocaine
- benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax)
- antidepressants
- other psychostimulants and sedatives
Most people who lose a loved one to drugs or alcohol enter a stage of grief. This is common and doesn’t look the same for everyone. There is no single way to grieve or heal from this type of major loss.
You may be experiencing conflicted emotions in this time of mourning.
In this guide, you’ll find information about:
- how to process the loss of a loved one to drug and alcohol abuse
- suggested steps on how to grieve your loss
- common causes of substance-abuse related death
- the scope of drug and alcohol abuse-related death
- looking forward in your process of healing from loss
