Toxic Drug Poisoning Loss Grief Support Groups
Grief following a toxic drug poisoning death can bring many complex emotions. Individuals may experience shock, anger, guilt, or unanswered questions. Many also face stigma related to substance use, which can deepen feelings of isolation. No one should have to grieve this kind of loss alone or in silence. Being with others who have experienced a similar loss has proven to help reduce isolation and build meaningful, ongoing support.
The BC Bereavement Helpline offers 8-week toxic drug poisoning loss grief support groups to help individuals come together to heal in their unique loss. Our grief support groups are led by experienced facilitators. We try very hard to ensure that at least one facilitator has lived experience, as they can connect and share in this similar loss. Our groups are not a counselling model, but rather a format in which everyone can come together to connect and be supported with their shared grief experiences. Facilitators will provide space for education and discussion on grief related to toxic drug poisoning loss.
Our 8-week Toxic Drug Poisoning Loss Grief Support Groups provide:
- A safe, non-judgmental, compassionate environment with time for restorative sharing of stories and insights
- Essential grief and mourning tools to support participants in their daily lives
- Practical support and information as well as valuable community connections
- A respectful space for honouring the life of the person who has died
Our grief support groups are mainly being offered online.
Please read the below before registering for our 8-Week Toxic Drug Poisoning Loss Grief Support Group Waitlist
- Due to demand, the approximate time on our waitlist is 6–12 months from the time you register. This is just an estimate. If you need a referral for more immediate support, please contact our Helpline.
- Maximum capacity for online groups is nine members per group.
- We ask that you are available for all 8 sessions of the group, as each group builds upon the previous knowledge and connections.
- For online groups, you should have either a computer, laptop, or tablet. Sorry, no phones as it is not possible to see all group members at once.
- Groups are for adults only.
- While this group is specific to toxic drug poisoning loss, it is not a relationally homogenous group, meaning that the group may encompass a range of relationships between the bereaved and deceased. Participants may have different connections to the deceased, such as being a friend, parent, grandparent, aunt, sibling, etc. Each group will have its own unique dynamic as participants are contacted based on who is next on the waitlist, not based on when their loss was or what their relationship to the deceased was.
- Individuals must register themselves. One registration per person.
- This group is available to residents of British Columbia.
- We have a two step-intake process. You first need to complete the waitlist intake form and then when it’s time to offer you a spot in a group, an intake conversation with one of our facilitators is required prior to joining a group.
- As a charity, once you are confirmed for the group, we kindly ask for a nominal contribution of $150. This contribution secures your spot and supports the operational costs of running the program. Subsidies are available, ensuring financial constraints are not a barrier to participation. We welcome everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
If this sounds like a fit for you, you can join our Toxic Drug Poisoning Loss Grief Support Group waitlist by clicking below.
Need Support or Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the above groups or are looking for grief support, you can reach us at [email protected] or call our confidential Helpline at 1-877-779-2223.
Our Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, to offer compassionate listening and help connect you with support options that meet your needs.
We have an extreme demand for this program and need your help! If you are an individual and would like to make a donation, please do so here. If you are part of an organization interested in supporting this program, please email [email protected].
Loss Due to Substance Use Resources
Gone Too Soon Grief Handbook
The BC Bereavement Helpline is committed to supporting anyone in BC who is grieving the loss of a loved one due to substance use. We are currently in the process of developing new programs to support those bereaved by substance use and we hope to get funding soon.
The BC Centre on Substance Use has developed a very helpful grief guidebook entitled Gone Too Soon.
Click to Download Grief Handbook
The G.A.P. Network Grief and Addiction Support Resource List – A resource list with emphasis on social media communities, compiled by individuals who have lost loved ones to drug overdose.