Every Albertan deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery, and drug treatment courts help make sure more Albertans have that chance. Alberta’s drug treatment courts offer an intensive, court-supervised program where participants get the accountability and support needed to break the cycle of addiction. Since the first court opened in Edmonton in 2005, it has grown to seven locations across Alberta.
“When individuals are open to change, this program has remarkable success helping them avoid incarceration and reintegrate into their communities. The success of our drug treatment courts is a clear example of how our government is taking practical, effective action to reduce crime and support safer communities.”
“Everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery, and drug treatment courts are another path to treatment and a better life. Increasing access to addiction treatment is an important part of building a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care.”
Participants in the drug treatment court program complete a minimum of 12 consecutive months of addiction treatment, attend support groups and develop skills to foster recovery and reintegrate into their communities effectively. Participants make weekly court appearances and are subject to drug testing.
“The Drug Treatment Court model is evidence-based community safety in action. For twenty years, it has reduced harm, reduced reoffending and supported participants to rebuild meaningful lives. At enCompass, we believe every individual has the potential for growth and the right to be treated with dignity, and we see how compassionate accountability helps people create lasting change. We are honoured to support this important work and look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure people have the treatment, resources and community connection they need to succeed.”
About 70 per cent of program graduates do not reoffend. Drug treatment courts are a key part of Alberta’s work to connect people in need of intervention with the supports they need to rehabilitate, while helping free up resources in the justice system to focus on serious violent crimes and repeat offenders.
Quick facts
- Budget 2025 provides $4 million for Alberta’s seven drug treatment courts.
- Drug treatment courts are available in:
- Edmonton (operating since 2005)
- Calgary (operating since 2007)
- Lethbridge (operating since 2020)
- Medicine Hat (operating since 2021)
- Red Deer (operating since 2021)
- Grande Prairie (operating since 2021)
- Fort McMurray (operating since 2022)
- The participant capacity of Alberta’s drug treatment courts has increased 350 per cent since 2019.
Related information
- Alberta Drug Court
- Calgary Drug Treatment Court
- Edmonton Drug Treatment Court Services
- Red Deer Drug Treatment Court
- Drug Treatment Court (Lethbridge and Medicine Hat)
- Drug Treatment Court Services (Grande Prairie)
- Fort McMurray Drug Treatment Court Program