13 Sep Alberta’s Drug Abuse Problem Is on the Rise
Every year, 47,000 Canadian deaths are linked to substance abuse. In 2018, 746 people died in Alberta after ingesting powerful synthetic opioids. And a report from Alberta Health stated that 13 people died of fentanyl-related overdoses every week.
Alberta is a large province with a diverse population and two distinct drug abuse problems that differ by location. According to information gathered from the Alberta Drug Rehab Helpline, in southern Alberta, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana are the main drugs used and abused, while in the north of Alberta, methamphetamine is the biggest problem.
While it is well known that many people abuse illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth, more recently there has been an increase in prescription medicine abuse in Alberta.
There may be a common misperception that prescription drugs are safer than “street” drugs, but OxyContin, Percocet and many other painkillers actually create a stronger addiction, and the detox process is more painful. Unfortunately, prescription medications are often easier to access for many young people, or people who would not normally be at risk of coming into contact with a “drug culture.” This can create a situation where the person abusing the drug can live in denial because the common perception of a drug addict is someone who is homeless, or living below the poverty line, and many drug addicts don’t fall into this demographic.
Alcohol addiction remains a problem, and not only for the entire province of Alberta where alcohol addiction is still the most prevailing substance abuse problem, but also for the entire country.
Fortunately, there are many drug and alcohol rehab helplines where people can get information on drug abuse, drug interventions, and addiction treatment programs.
There are many treatment centers that have been designed to accommodate individual needs and addictions. There are treatment centres solely for women, for men, or for youths, indigenous groups, or for certain religious groups and special needs groups.
By tailoring the treatment center to certain demographics, the centers create a stronger atmosphere of safety, and the programs can be designed to meet the specific needs of the patients.
Alberta’s drug problem may be on the rise, but all over the province, private and public treatment centers and professional interventionists are doing their best to help people get off drugs and get on the road to permanent recovery.
If you need help finding a treatment center, or if you would like to hold an intervention, call Andy Bhatti. We can give you the information you need to take the next step. It may just be the step that saves a life.