August 31, 2023 is Overdose Awareness Day in the State of Connecticut. Today we raise awareness and reduce the stigma of the nationwide problem surrounding opioid overdoses.

“It is well past the time that we, as a society, break down the stigma related to opioid addiction and acknowledge that it is an illness that can impact anyone from any neighborhood, any socioeconomic background, and any age,” Governor Lamont said. “Addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a true public health emergency. We have an incredible network of providers in Connecticut that have treatment options and resources available to anyone who needs it, whether you have a loved one who is facing this illness or if you are looking for help for yourself. The more we talk about this issue out loud, the more we can reduce the stigma surrounding it and let people know that treatment is available and those facing this illness should not lose hope.”

Drug Overdose Prayer for Victims and Families

Dear God of All,

We come to you grieving with broken hearts over our loved one who has become the victim of an overdose.  Our sorrow knows no depths as we consider the preciousness of the life lost and the cruelty of the addition and the terrible accident that robbed them of a good life and cause their death.

Those of us left behind feel victimized ourselves.  We feel helpless because we have been robbed of huge pieces of our own life and our future by this merciless disease.

Despite our sorrow, we pray for the strength to choose life.  We choose to affirm the goodness and sacredness of the life of our loved one.  We acknowledge their worth in your sight and we hold onto our love for them even through the pain.  We pray that you will remove all traces of regret, guilt and shame from our hearts and minds.  We pray your forgiveness and mercy over every difficult incident between us and our loved one that was caused by the addiction.  You know the road we have walked and how often we have felt that we should be doing one more thing to help, prevent or rescue.   We lay this entire journey at your feet and offer it up to you as our baptism into the suffering of Christ, believing that we did the best we could and that this is all that you ask of us.

We pray that you will give us the ability to honor the memory of our loved one and that we might celebrate their victories big and small.  Help us to memorialize the enormous accomplishment of their ability to live under the heavy burden of addiction.  Please welcome them into your Kingdom as the whole, healthy people you created, now restored to peace, wholeness and joy in your presence.  We believe your Word that says, “no one dies to themselves.”  (Romans 14:7,8)   We stand on the promise that at the time of this terrible accident that you were there with them in their final hours in supernatural ways that go beyond our understanding.

Although we cannot bring our lost loved one back, we pray for the future time when you will show us how to honor them by somehow taking up the good fight against  addiction so that other might live.  Right now we’re not ready.  Right now we pray that you will help us to take the time to grieve and to heal.  Simply place a small glimmer of hope in our hearts that one day You will show us a healing path that will be unique to who we are and who our loved ones are.

And so dear God, heal all of our yesterdays, strengthen and sustain us today and enlighten all of our tomorrows with your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

To connect with resources that provide valuable information on opioid use disorder in Connecticut, visit www.liveloud.org or call 1-800-563-4086 any time, day or night.