Grief

Grief can affect feelings, the body and everyday life, and substance-related loss may add uncertainty or stigma to the need for support.

Grief is a response to losing someone or something important. It can include sadness, longing, numbness, anger, relief or changing mixtures of feelings; there is no required sequence. A substance-related death may bring unanswered questions, blame or fear of being judged, but the person who died and the people grieving deserve care. Support can address both grief and substance use. Thoughts of suicide need prompt professional support; if someone may act on them or cannot stay safe, emergency help is needed now. Severe distress should not simply be explained away as grief or early recovery.

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