Drug Poisoning Response and Prevention

Learn About the Substance Use and Addictions Program

Edmonton, along with many other jurisdictions around Canada, is experiencing a drug poisoning crisis. This is a complex public health issue with many factors that have led to a significant increase in opioid overdoses (poisonings) and deaths in Edmonton.  In recent years there has been a higher level of concern associated with the drug supply, including its quality, the degree of contamination, potency, cost and accessibility. 

Men experience the highest rates of opioid overdoses in Canada. Those in the trades are more impacted by substance use and addiction than other fields of work. 

Visit Alberta Substance Use Analytics for the most recent data on deaths.

Overdoses happen in your neighbourhood. 

The street drug supply is contaminated with often unknown amounts of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Just a small amount can result in an unintentional overdose or poisoning. Drug poisonings are occurring in neighbourhoods all across our city, many in private homes where people are often using alone.