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Part of Addiction and mental health

Alberta's opioid and addiction response

How Alberta is responding to the increase in drug overdoses and opioid-related deaths.

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Alberta's opioid and addiction response

How to get help

There are many reasons someone may want help with their substance use, and there are many ways to be helped.

Recovery is possible and looks different for each person. There are different pathways to recovery and you can choose the path that makes sense to you.

If you use drugs, do not use alone. Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Help resources

Stop ODs
Learn how to reduce the risk and prevent opioid overdoses.
Get Naloxone

Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose if it is given right away. Kits are free at sites across Alberta.

Options for care
Find treatment options and resources to get on the path to recovery.
My Recovery Plan
My Recovery Plan is an online tool to help Albertans who are recovering from addiction.

If you suspect an overdose

Call 911

Call 911 if you or someone you are with used drugs and have any of these symptoms:

  • breathing is slow or not breathing at all
  • blue nails, blue lips
  • choking or throwing up
  • making gurgling sounds
  • skin is cold and clammy
  • will not wake up

First aid

Follow these steps if able:

  • initiate rescue breathing
  • use naloxone injection kit or Narcan® nasal spray

Canada's Good Samaritan law provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 for help.

What we are doing

Opioid addiction is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach, including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

We are working with partners to inform Albertans of the wide range of addiction services available so they can access the recovery services that best suit their needs.

  • Fentanyl remediation guidance – this has been prepared to help agencies and professionals manage risks related to property or materials contaminated with fentanyl.
  • Opioid Agonist Therapy Gap Coverage Program – This program provides immediate, no-cost coverage for certain OAT medications for 120 days, while you enrol in a supplementary health benefit plan.

In focus

Mental health and addictions advisory council
An advisory council provided recommendations to improve access to recovery-oriented care and better support Albertans who need help to get on their path to recovery.
Substance use surveillance data

Reporting the prescribing patterns, use or misuse, drug overdoses and deaths related to fentanyl and opioids in Alberta.

Opioid response – Options for care
There are different pathways to recovery and Albertans can choose the path that makes sense to them.
Supervised consumption services review
An expert committee reviewed the social and economic impacts of current and proposed supervised consumption services.

Translated resources

These printable opioid resources are available in 10 languages.

News

Next Options for care