The province has announced a $4.5 million investment to increase comprehensive support for youth in pursuit of recovery. (Photo: File picture of the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton/ LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Alberta Government to put $4.5M towards youth addiction treatment

Nov 25, 2022 | 5:06 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Addiction treatment in Alberta is set to receive a major investment in 2023.

The province announced on November 25, 2022, that it will be investing $4.5 million over the next three years into the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP).

It is a service that helps to provide specialized treatment for people struggling with addiction, along with access to same-day treatment medication for no cost.

The additional funding for VODP is aimed at delivering comprehensive support to young adults and youth in pursuit of recovery.

The Minister of Children’s Services, Mickey Amery, said in a press release, “We are fully committed to protecting and helping vulnerable youth impacted by the opioid crisis.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“We need to do more to stop the increasing rates of opioid deaths in young Albertans receiving intervention services,” explained Amery. “Expanding this virtual opioid treatment program will improve their treatment outcomes and specifically reduce overdose deaths in young Albertans receiving intervention services.”

According to the province, about 100 more youth will be able to access opioid addiction treatment every year due to the investment.

It will also fund a team of health care professionals specifically geared towards young adults who will offer rapid assessments, virtual treatment and ongoing care, and family and support worker education and training.

Expanded VODP services can be accessed throughout the province, but a focus will be put on young Albertans living in campus-based treatment centers in Lethbridge, Edmonton, High Prairie and Calgary.

Learn more about the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program through their website or access services by calling 1-844-383-7688.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.