Alberta advocates for treatment of youth opioid addiction

Alberta is investing $4.5 million over the next few years into support for young people to overcome opioid addiction, focusing on reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery, according to a provincial release.

Everyone struggling with addiction deserves access to evidence-based, compassionate care.

With $4.5 million in funding, we’re helping more young people get the support they need: https://t.co/Mzhz0ipg9Z #NAAW2022 #communitycaring pic.twitter.com/ZTdThfMlzw

— Alberta Mental Health and Addiction (@GoAMHA) November 25, 2022

The transition to a recovery-based system of care will focus on a Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) — an online program that will provide any youth with 24/7 access to opioid addiction treatment medication, including Suboxone and Sublocade, with no fees or waitlist.

The program will also include a team of healthcare professionals who will offer rapid assessments, virtual treatment, recovery-oriented youth programming, peer support, and parent, family, and social or support worker education and training.

Read More:

• ‘Same thing over and over again’: Calgary groups call for funding, action to tackle opioid-related issues

• Alberta to regulate therapeutic use of psychedelics for mental-health issues

• Alberta pledges combined $187M in addictions, homelessness funding

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The VOPD will be rolled out in early 2023 and will be offered to young Albertans residing in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and High Prairie.

Other supports the provincial government is advocating for is Kids Help Phone, which boosts classroom and community addiction and mental health support for youth.

They’re also looking to raise awareness of youth mental health hubs across the province and broaden outreach for 211 Alberta — a local hotline that young persons can call when they’re in distress or facing a mental health crisis.