A new report shows that the number of fatal drug overdoses in Lethbridge continues to fall sharply. (Photo: Steveheap | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Zero drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge for July: report

Nov 17, 2025 | 9:03 AM

READ MORE: How Lethbridge went from Alberta’s highest rate of overdose deaths to nearly the lowest

The Alberta Government says, for the third time this year, Lethbridge went an entire month in which nobody died from drug consumption.

That is according to the latest Substance Use Surveillance System report.

In the first seven months of this year, six people in the city succumbed to an overdose, which is tied with 2016 for the lowest level in the last decade.

There was one death each in January and February, none in March and April, and two each in May and June.

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The year-to-date total for 2025 represents an 80 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024 and a drop of 93 per cent compared to 2023.

Drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge for the months of January to July. (Source: Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System. Compiled by LNN)

The Alberta Government said in a statement to LNN following the release of last month’s report that it was encouraged by the drop in opioid-related deaths in Lethbridge.

“Recognizing the path to recovery is different for everyone, Alberta’s government in investing in a variety of supports and services to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

For the past two years, Lethbridge has been home to a 50-bed recovery community that focuses on helping individuals address their substance use, improve their overall health and build skills to support long-term recovery.

Provincial funding also supports a variety of medical detox, treatment and recovery options in the area. Treatment is available at no cost to individuals and their families.

In addition, a transitional living unit is operating within the Lethbridge Correctional Centre that provides the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to undergo comprehensive and holistic addiction treatment.”

Provincially, fentanyl was detected in the victim’s body in 93 per cent of cases in which the person used multiple substances, while carfentanil and methamphetamine were each found about two-thirds of the time.

Men accounted for just over three-quarters of fatal overdose victims in Alberta, while 40-44 was the most common age group among all genders.

The full Substance Use Surveillance System report can be found online here.