Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, has created a place to honor loved ones lost to addiction with the National Addiction Memorial. Over 2,500 people have created memorials so far, sharing heart-felt stories and memories about those they’ve lost. With August 31st being International Overdose Awareness Day and with 93,331 Americans dying of an overdose in 2020, Shatterproof is making this resource available to provide comfort and hope to those who need it.  

Nearly a million people have been lost to addiction in the last decade. Addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a treatable disease, but due to stigma most people to not seek the help they need. The National Addiction Memorial is a place to share photos, memories and stories of those who have died from this devastating disease. Each was a beloved daughter, son, sister, brother, mother, father. grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, or friend. They each had a story and were more than a life extinguished by substance use disorder.

“I have lost half of my family, two of my four children, to unintentional overdoses.  Honoring my beautiful sons through sharing memories of their precious lives was such a gift. The Shatterproof National Memorial page gave us, as a family, an opportunity to share what special young men they were. In order to change the way society views people with substance use disorders (SUDs), we need to share their stories.  We can give our departed loved ones a voice to show they were oh so much more than the addiction that took them from us way too soon,” Diana Lunas, Shatterproof Ambassador.

The memorial allows loved ones to share the memorial on social media or via email easily. Oftentimes there is shame and stigma surrounding a death from addiction and sometimes it takes time for families to feel comfortable to share about their loved one’s struggle., The National Addiction Memorial is an opportunity for their loved ones to share openly and honestly, to help end stigma and shame and to illustrate who their loved one was, way beyond how they passed away, and years past the day of loss.

If you would like to create a memorial please visit, https://www.shatterproof.org/nationalmemorial.

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About Shatterproof 

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org