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Grief: Loss As a Result of Substance Use

Navigating Grief and Loss as a Result of Substance Use

Losing a loved one to substance use (such as alcohol, opioids, or other drugs) is devastating. You are not alone. “Gone Too Soon: Navigating Grief and Loss as a Result of Substance Use” is a handbook to help you during this difficult time. This handbook is for:

 

  • Family and friends who have lost a loved one to substance use.
  • People who are supporting someone through this type of loss.
  • Service providers who are helping people deal with grief and loss.

Inside this handbook you’ll find:

  • How to cope with grief and trauma.
  • Where to go for support.
  • Ways to tell family and friends that you’ve lost a loved one to substance use.
  • Information about practical matters, such as working with the police and medical examiner, and making funeral plans.
  • Alberta resources and services.
  • Stories of loss and healing.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s substance use, please call Health Link at 811 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

 

 Gone too Soon Download and print the PDF handbook - Gone too Soon.



Alberta Health Services would like to thank the BC Centre on Substance Use for sharing this resource and helping to adapt it.

Additional Resources

Current as of: June 21, 2019

Author: Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services