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By Curtis Galbraith, EverythingGP

New treatment for severe opioid addiction coming to Alberta communities, including Lethbridge

Oct 12, 2022 | 7:17 AM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – The provincial government says a new narcotic transition service will be coming to various communities in Alberta, including Lethbridge and Grande Prairie, in the next few months.

The province says this is for those with severe addictions who have not been able to transition using what are called OAT medications.

“In some cases, high-potency narcotics are prescribed as part of their treatment. These drugs are highly addictive, and they carry significant risks to the patients and public if diverted,” says Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis.

This new approach will look at stabilizing and transitioning patients under medical supervision to these medications and to care meant to help in recovery.

Ellis says part of the settlement from a class action lawsuit against opioid maker Purdue Pharma will help pay for this service.

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“This will ensure that we never forget, and we never repeat the mistakes made in the early years of the opioid crises.”

“Narcotic transition services are highly specialized services only for people with severe opioid addiction.”

Alberta Health Services will be the sole provider of this new service through its opioid dependency clinic in Grande Prairie.

The province adds the vast majority who use OAT (opioid agonist treatment) medications are able to enter recovery.

The province also updated its Community Protection and Opioid Stewardship Standards, adding things like having a witness watch patients take their medication so it does not end up being sold on the street.

The narcotic transition service will also be coming to Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat. It is already available in Edmonton and Calgary.

Ellis says these changes will not impact those being treated for pain.

“The Community Protection and Opioid Stewardship Standards only apply to high-risk opioids being prescribed or dispensed for severe opioid addiction.”

“Thousands of Albertans suffer chronic pain and too many lack access to effective, evidence-based treatment.”

Ellis also announced $500,000 to create a provincial pain program. It will focus on preventing chronic pain and new virtual programs will improve access to chronic pain services.

The Alberta Pain Strategy can be found here.