By April Long, CEO, SMART Recovery Australia
I’ll never forget the phone call I got on Christmas morning 5 years ago. My dad delivered news that shattered my world: my grandma, whose laugh and warmth filled every room, had died. The cause? An overdose. The first question people always ask is “accident or suicide?”- the answer to which we will never know. But what we do know is that she was lonely, disconnected, and in desperate need of support.
Grandma faced challenges with alcohol use throughout her life. Her early years were marked by hardship - she spent time in an orphanage as a child, and later in life, we learned she had a child she lovingly placed for adoption when she was very young. Perhaps these early experiences explain why she was fiercely protective of her family. As a child, she always made sure we were safe and well fed. Grandma kept a drop freezer full of icecreams and cooked the best baked dinners for lunch and creamy porridge for breakfast. Her love was expressed in these small, nurturing acts that remain etched in my memory.
Sadly, my grandma’s story is far from unique. Across Australia, thousands of people over the age of 60 silently struggle with addiction. Contrary to common belief, addiction is not a problem only for the young. In fact, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that nearly one in four Australians aged 65 and older experiences risky alcohol consumption, and prescription drug misuse is also prevalent among older adults. Many older Australians are prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, and other medications that can be addictive and dangerous when taken over time or in combination.
Addiction does not discriminate by age. It hides behind the closed doors of our elders, often unnoticed and untreated. For older Australians, loneliness and social isolation are not just common, they are epidemic. Studies show that more than one-third of Australians over 60 report feeling lonely, increasing vulnerability to problematic substance use. Yet, the stigma around addiction in this age group is profound, making it harder to seek help and even harder to talk about.
My Grandma’s passing left me with deep sadness. But it also ignited in me a fierce determination to change how we think about addiction and recovery and ensure that we do better.
When she passed, I was given her watch - a simple, well-worn timepiece that had kept her company through decades of struggle and joy. To me, it is more than just a watch; it is a quiet testament to resilience. It reminds me that every moment counts.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost and to reflect on what we can do better. It’s a call to break the silence and stigma, to recognise addiction as a health issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
At SMART Recovery Australia, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. Our program is built on connection, empowerment, and evidence-based tools that help people regain control over their lives. We focus on supporting individuals to build skills, set their own goals, and find community because recovery is not just about stopping harmful use; it’s about restoring hope and dignity.
For older Australians like my grandma, connection is often the missing piece. Many feel isolated from family, friends, and support networks. Many feel invisible, cut off from community, limited financially, by mobility or accessibility, misunderstood by services, or unsure where to turn to for help. 20% of our participants are aged 55 and over and SMART Recovery offers them an inclusive, non-judgmental space where people can find understanding and strength, no matter their age or background.
SMART meetings are inclusive, secular, and non-judgmental. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, methamphetamines, gambling, or prescription drugs, there is a place for you.
The theme for this year’s Awareness Day is “One big family, driven by hope”: a reminder that we are all part of a shared community, connected by care and united in the belief that recovery is possible. By standing together in remembrance and action, we can create a world where no one faces addiction or loss alone.
As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day, I urge us all to remember the unseen stories behind the statistics. To honor those like my grandma, who deserved better support, more compassion, and greater connection.
Let’s commit to building communities where no one feels alone in their struggle and where recovery is within reach for everyone.
Because every life matters, and every story deserves to be heard.
To my grandma, and to all those we have lost to addiction: you are deeply loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten.
