EDMONTON – Today, Recovery Alberta Mental Health and Addiction Services acknowledges Overdose Awareness Day, and the many lives lost due to overdose, supports those in recovery and stands with families and friends who mourn their loved ones. Individuals impacted by substance use are not alone. Supports and treatment are available, including help for family and friends left behind. Recovery is possible.

Resources and Treatment

• Substance use & addiction: Information, advice and resources are available to help. If you need to speak to someone, call the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322. Trained staff are available to offer support at those numbers 24/7.
• Get help with opioids: Recovery Alberta provides treatment to people dependent on opioids and helps them access services they need to live healthy lives. Individuals can self-refer, or referrals can come from any healthcare professional or a community agency. Services are voluntary and confidential. For more information on how to access care, individuals can walk in or call any AHS opioid dependency program clinic.
• Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP): Available anywhere in Alberta, VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list. To access, call 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
• The Digital Overdose Response System (DORS): A free, discreet mobile app that can help prevent overdose deaths among people using opioids and other substances while alone. The DORS app can be downloaded from any smart phone’s app store, or through the links available on DORSApp.ca.
• Naloxone Kits: Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning.

Helplines

• 211 Alberta – Information on community and social services.
• Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322 for recovery-oriented care support.
• Health Link 811 – 24/7 health advice and information.

Friends and Family

• People in need of support are encouraged to reach out to someone they trust, whether it's a family member, friend, or someone they feel comfortable talking to.
• If you notice people in your life who may be struggling, reach out to them. Offering support can include mentioning what you have noticed, listening to their concerns, and connecting them with some of the resources noted above.
• Starting a conversation does not require you to be a counsellor or an expert; just a caring person offering support and hope.
• If someone you know is struggling with opioid or substance use, don’t hesitate to encourage them to consider treatment. Support is available, recovery is possible, and treatment is free throughout Alberta.
• Encourage those who may be using alone to download the DORS app for added safety and emergency support.
• Know the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and call 911.
• Carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it to respond to a suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone is free in Alberta.