I Am A Griever

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.

Scott – Writing music

Scott talks about the cathartic nature of writing music stories

Scott – Lyrics

Scott – Talks about how a friend in grief helped with the lyrics of “So far away”.Find the song at his website www.dotbmusic.ca

Adam – Story 2

Adam discusses his busy life and how he has coped after losing his mother

Joyce – When you are a mother who loses a child

Joyce shares about how she has felt as a mother who lost a child

Lyss – Holding Space

Lyss discusses holding space, feeling the feelings and the things her Mom missed by dying at 47.

Joyce – A favorite memory with music

Joyce tells a story about her son supporting her and the power of music

Kate – Advice to my younger self

Kate explains things being authentic and honest to herself has been very valuable

Joyce – Using my grief experience to help people

Joyce talks about the positive experiences she has in helping other people in grief

Lyss – Music

Lyss remembers playing music for her mother as she was dying and how music has helped with feelings

Lyss – Depression, Anxiety, and Self Harm

Depression, anxiety, self harm, theapy, support, mental health, suicide

Lyss – Therapy and the right fit

Lyss talks about therapy and finding the right fit