Alberta sees downward trend in opioid-related deaths

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A downward trend in April’s opioid-related death numbers is leaving the Alberta government “cautiously optimistic” — but some advocates say they want to know what the province has changed since 2023’s record high.

The latest data provided by the province shows an additional 90 opioid-related deaths in Alberta in April, bringing the province’s total so far this year to 452. The number of deaths is 27 per cent lower than in March, which recorded 123 opioid-related deaths.

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In Edmonton, there were 37 opioid-related deaths in April while Calgary had 19 deaths.

While Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams said he is “encouraged” by the latest numbers, 2024 comes after the most devastating year for opioid-related deaths in the province, which saw record-breaking stats.

“I am encouraged by the downward trend in the number of opioid-related fatalities, and our government remains cautiously optimistic with the most recent data showing opioid overdose fatalities down 52 per cent since peaking last year,” Williams said in a statement.

From January to December 2023, Alberta recorded 2,051 substance-related deaths, according to the government. Opioid deaths accounted for the majority of drug deaths at 1,867 — a 13.9 per cent increase compared to 2021’s 1,639 deaths. Edmonton had the highest number of opioid-related deaths across all municipalities with 673. Calgary was close behind with 629.

‘Have to take responsibility’

Petra Schulz, co-founder of Moms Stop the Harm, said she wants the province to take responsibility for the record high opioid-related deaths in 2023. She wants to know what the province will do differently to ensure numbers remain low.

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“If you want to celebrate about numbers going down, you have to take responsibility for numbers going up, and we haven’t seen that from the province,” Schulz said.

“The low numbers we’re having are no reason to celebrate because they will most likely go up significantly still.” 

Schulz pointed to her work on the ground saying she’s heard the drug supply is becoming more toxic. She said she wants politicians to find solutions with all forms of recovery in mind. Schulz has been told that more people are inhaling substances and there are currently no supervised inhalation sites in Alberta, only consumption sites. According to Alberta Health Services, there are seven supervised consumption sites in the province.

Recovery communities

Williams said the province will continue to build the Alberta Recovery Model and additionally build 11 recovery communities for long-term treatment at no cost.

“With two of these already online and two more opening this year, we are giving Albertans an opportunity to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their family, community and culture,” Williams said.

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A spokesperson from Williams’ office said drug consumption services remain an “important part” of the Alberta Recovery Model and the government’s efforts to reduce the harms associated with opioid use.

“Budget 2024 allocates $36 million for services to reduce harm, including drug consumption services, the provincial naloxone program and outreach supports,” the statement said.

‘Get down to the work’

When asked what Schulz would like to see done, she said politicians need to step up and stop pointing to other levels of government to address the opioid crisis.

“I want politicians to stop bickering, to stop fighting and to get down to the work of saving the lives of our loved ones, everybody’s loved ones in Alberta and across the country,” Schulz said.

ctran@postmedia.com

@kccindytran

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