Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Keith – “Disenfranchised Grief”

Keith describes disenfranchised grief.

Claudia – What do I do when my art is finished

Claudia explains some helpful tips after your art is finished

Keith – “We need one another”

Keith talks about the importance of story, understanding our journey and how we are connected.

Caileigh – Working with children in grief

Caileigh shares why she likes working with and supporting children in grief. “Over the course of their lives, children and youth and families experience a lot of losses, and it’s an empowering job to empower others. I’m not only empowering them, but I’m also building parent capacity in recognizing that it does take a village and it takes a community to support a child.”

Rev. Sky – “Sharing”

Rev. Sky explains how sharing helps you heal.

Amanda – “It’s a gift to love someone”

Amanda talks about grief and it’s connection to love.

Corrie – Talking to children about death and dying

Corrie explains how to discuss death and dying with children

Janice- “Stay with feelings”

Janice talks about how feelings can be buried and how working through them can help.

Grief and Disability: Carrie’s Story

It has become clear to me over time that we have much work to do to ensure the delivery of disability-sensitive grief literacy and grief support. In March of 2022 my proposal for four 1-hour sessions was approved, we provided the program for 20 participants. My heart was full in each session.

My heart remains full of hope that conversations, education, and expertise about disability sensitive end of life care and grief support will gain momentum as more and more people join in on this vital conversation.

Maureen – “If someone you know has experienced pregnancy & infant loss”

Maureen explains practical tools to help someone who is grieving.

Marija – Acknowledging feelings

Marija talks about our tools for coping