BEREAVED FAMILIES
At DAFS we recognise that families who lose someone to addiction are likely to experience a complex, layered grief; one that begins long before death and that doesn't follow a socially recognised path. It is often not just mourning the finality of a death; it is grieving multiple losses over many years, continuing to love alongside exhaustion and despair, on a rollercoaster journey, with all hope now extinguished.
​
Grief is very likely to have been anticipatory, long before the loved one died; with a deep sense of loss for the person they used to be or what they could have become.
A family member can experience very complicated emotions after their loved one's death; sadness mixed with relief, anger, guilt, shame & love often all at once.
​
They may experience a disenfranchised grief; grief that isn't fully acknowledged or validated by others as society​ often minimises the loss, blames the person who died or may judge their family, leaving them feeling extremely isolated. Grief following someone lost to addiction often brings an ongoing feeling of loss & the bereaved may be left with a profound sense of sadness, as they may not feel that they could have done more for their loved one.
Trauma is also very common, as their loss may involve sudden death, suicide, overdose or a prolonged level of crisis over many prior years leaving survivors with intrusive memories or an avalanche of unanswered questions.
There is often a sense of unfinished business; unresolved conflicts in the family, unmet apologies, things left unsaid which can all intensify grief and make closure feel impossible for some. Grief may be accompanied by a painful sense of "what if...." despite the reality that addiction is a complex illness beyond any other person's control.
In Loving Memory ........
This is a space where we can remember & honour our loved ones lost to addiction. Each tribute has been shared by one of our bereaved families.
We would like this page to be a place to remember & celebrate our loved ones for who they were & their unique qualities.
If you wish to, you can submit a short message (up to 80 words) & a photo (optional) to info@dafsmk.co.uk to be added to this page.