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Alberta's opioid and addiction response

How Alberta is responding to the increase in fentanyl- and opioid-related deaths in our province.

Table of contents

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, don't use alone. Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Stop ODs
Learn how to reduce the risk and prevent opioid overdoses.
Get Naloxone
Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose if it's 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.

If you suspect an overdose

1. Call 911 if you or someone you're with used drugs and have any of these symptoms:

  • breathing is slow or not breathing at all
  • blue nails and/or lips
  • choking or throwing up
  • making gurgling sounds
  • skin is cold and clammy
  • won't wake up

2. Follow the SAVE ME steps and naloxone instructions

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

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

What we're doing

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

We're 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.

Remediation guidelines

Fentanyl remediation guidance 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.

Mental health and addiction advisory council
An advisory council will provide 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/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.