EDMONTON – Recovery Alberta is warning illicit drugs in Edmonton should be assumed to contain carfentanil and be considered extremely dangerous.
 
Data from the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System (ASUSS) shows a trend of week-over-week increases in opioid-related emergencies, specifically in the Edmonton region.

• In the week of August 25, Emergency Health Services (EHS) responded to 321 opioid-related events. 
  • This is a 39 per cent increase from the previous week (approx. 231 the previous week).
  • Edmonton accounted for 73 per cent of the total weekly responses (approx. 234 calls).

Weekly EHS numbers can vary, and more calls don’t always indicate more deaths. However, the growing presence of carfentanil in opioid-related deaths is very concerning, especially in Edmonton.

• From January to May 2025, 68 per cent of opioid deaths in Alberta involved carfentanil—up from 10 per cent in 2024.
• In Edmonton, that number has jumped from 17 per cent to 78 per cent.
• 88 per cent of all carfentanil-related deaths in Alberta during that period took place in Edmonton.

Carfentanil is extremely potent—up to 100,000 times stronger than morphine and over 100 times stronger than fentanyl, according to the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE). It is not approved for human use and is only legal for large animal sedation by veterinarians.

• Microgram-level amounts can cause life-threatening overdoses.
• Naloxone can help, but multiple doses may be needed to reverse its effects.
• Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) remains the standard approach – there are no carfentanil-specific treatments.

Recovery Alberta continues to expand access to OAT—a proven, life-saving alternative to illicit opioid use. OAT helps stabilize people, reduce cravings, and prevent overdose.

As part of this effort, advanced care paramedics in EHS’ Mobile Integrated Healthcare program can give first-line OAT medications right in the community. This means faster care, better outcomes, and more chances for individuals to be connected with life saving treatment.

In addition, an emergency response team is currently in place to monitor clients in and around Hope Mission’s Herb Jamieson Centre. This team of primary care paramedics, nurses and health care aides are responding to mental health and addiction crises including overdoses and other health emergencies. With additional provincial funding, this team is increasing its operations to 24 hours, 7 days a week (up from 12 hours, 7 days a week) in response to the increase in carfentanil related overdoses in Edmonton.

Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is an important partner in responding to the addiction crisis. Through their Human-centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership (HELP) teams, EPS is able to help individuals access recovery-oriented health supports and programs such as the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP).

If you or someone you know is impacted by substance use:

• Call the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program at 1-844-383-7688 for same-day access to treatment, available 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to midnight, or visit vodp.ca.
• Download the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) app —a free, confidential tool that connects people using substances alone to emergency help if they become unresponsive. The DORS app can be downloaded from any smart phone’s app store, or through the links available on DORSApp.ca.

Additional Resources & Treatment

• Naloxone Kits: Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning. Free naloxone kits have been made available at most local pharmacies.
• 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 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 Recovery Alberta opioid dependency program clinic.

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.

Support for Friends & Family

If someone you care about is struggling with substance use, your support can make a difference. You don’t need to be an expert—just a caring person willing to listen and offer hope.

• Encourage those in need of support 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.
• Don’t hesitate to encourage people to consider treatment. Support is available, recovery is possible, and treatment is free throughout Alberta.
• Encourage those who may be using illicit substances to not use alone, and recommend 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.