“Every life lost to addiction is one too many. Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, our government joins families and communities in mourning the loss of loved ones to the disease of addiction.

“Recovery is possible, and our government is relentlessly focused on ensuring that every Albertan, no matter where they live, has access to the care and support they need. With the help of our incredible community partners, we are saving lives and helping more Albertans recover from addiction.

“Alberta’s recovery-focused approach is working, with opioid-related deaths across the province having decreased nearly 40 per cent since the peak in 2023. These are more than just numbers – these are our friends, neighbours and loved ones who are here with us another day.

“Yet we know there is still more work to do, especially in communities like Edmonton, which continues to be disproportionately impacted by overdose deaths, driven in part by potent opioids like carfentanil.

“As part of the Alberta Recovery Model, we continue to make record investments in addiction and mental health services to strengthen the continuum of recovery-oriented care. We’re adding hundreds of new treatment and recovery-oriented beds across the province, and we’re providing immediate, same-day access to addiction treatment medication through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program – at no cost, and with no waitlist. Free naloxone kits are available at pharmacies across the province, and Albertans struggling with addiction can use the Digital Overdose Response System app, a confidential and free tool that connects to emergency services if someone becomes unresponsive while using drugs alone.

“Most importantly, help is available to anyone who needs it. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 211 or visit ab.211.ca to connect with mental health and addiction services services in Alberta. It is free, confidential and available 24-7.   

“You are not alone – recovery is possible.”

 Related Information

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