Expanding addiction detox capacity in Edmonton

Alberta’s government is expanding addiction treatment capacity in Edmonton through investments to the George Spady Society. More than $13 million in funding is being provided through the Alberta Recovery Model. Of that, $8 million in 2023 supported the organization to move its medical detox unit to its new location, which has an increased capacity of 46 per cent.

“Albertans deserve the opportunity to live a full life, free from addiction. By supporting the George Spady Society open more medical detox spaces and pre-treatment beds, we are increasing access to care in Edmonton and Alberta.”

Medical withdrawal management – often referred to as medical detox – helps individuals suffering from chronic addiction to safely stop using substances, under the supervision of health professionals. Depending on the individual’s needs, medications may be administered to help with withdrawal symptoms. It can be the first step towards life-long addiction recovery.

Pre-treatment beds are a bridge between medical withdrawal management and formal addiction programs. They offer a safe, supportive environment where individuals receive wraparound supports that help prepare them to enter a treatment program, such as a recovery community.

“For decades, George Spady Society has also offered valuable leadership in Edmonton’s social services sector, helping shape solutions that meet people where they are and create lasting change. This new facility represents dignity, safety and the belief that recovery is possible. We are committed to working alongside our government and community partners to ensure every individual has the opportunity to reclaim their health and their future.”

George Spady Society’s new facility, the Aurora Centre, is located on Stony Plain Road in northwest Edmonton and began accepting clients on Aug. 28, 2025. The centre is expected to serve up to 2,300 individuals annually with enhanced care services.

“Today’s opening is a milestone in our mission to walk alongside people on their journey to recovery. Ongoing policy leadership and financial support from government is essential for expanding access to life-saving care and reaffirming our shared commitment to a province where recovery is real and within reach for all who need it.”

The Alberta Recovery Model is removing barriers to ensure every person has an opportunity to pursue recovery. This has included the addition of more than 10,000 publicly funded treatment spaces; expanding virtual access to addiction medicine care, anywhere in the province, through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program and Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program; and building 11 world-class recovery communities across the province, four of which are open and supporting clients.

Quick facts

• Located in Edmonton, the George Spady Society provides services for the care, treatment and support of individuals struggling with substance use.
• The George Spady Society’s previous location provided 31 withdrawal management beds and 10 pre-treatment beds. The new location provides 41 withdrawal management beds and 19 pre-treatment beds.
• All publicly funded addiction treatment is free for Albertans.   
• Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no waitlist.
• Albertans experiencing non-opioid substance and behavioural addiction concerns can contact the Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program at 1-844-383-7688 for rapid, low-barrier access to treatment.

Related news

• Saving lives and supporting recovery from addiction (June 9, 2021) 

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