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Health Information and Tools > Health A-Z >  Navigating Grief and Loss as a Result of Substance Use
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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

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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Current as of: June 21, 2019

Author: Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services