Alberta tackling addictions and mental health issues

By John Kurucz for the LETHBRIDGE HERALD on October 31, 2024.

British Columbia’s approach to addiction, mental health services and crime and punishment could see marked, generational changes by the end of this month.
NDP leader David Eby and Conservative Party leader John Rustad are floating new — and oftentimes controversial — ideas on those fronts on an almost daily basis.
Based on campaign promises made by both leaders, expanded involuntary care measures could be enacted for those with severe mental health and addictions challenges; the year-plus experiment with decriminalization could end; an end to tent city encampments and radical changes to the court system.
Given the dynamics and potential changes at play, the Lethbridge Herald is examining the Alberta government’s approach to those very same issues.
Hunter Baril serves as press secretary to Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Dan Williams.
 What does Alberta’s approach to those struggling with severe addiction or mental health issues look like in 2024, Baril was asked in an interview.
“The Alberta Recovery Model is the system of care we are building to give any person suffering from the disease of addiction an opportunity to pursue recovery.
“We are building 11 world-class addiction treatment centres, massively increasing capacity, and reducing significant barriers by publicly funding nearly all treatment beds across the province. Alberta has also pioneered a program to give immediate, same day access to evidence-based life-saving addiction treatment medication. This is known as the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program. Recently, B.C. began offering a similar program, following Alberta’s lead. Alberta’s government continues to build this model because we know recovery is possible,” he said in response to a question.
 “British Columbia has removed criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts illegal drugs — what is the policy approach in Alberta?  
When it comes to policies like decriminalization and so-called “safe” supply, we have consulted with addiction experts and relied on their feedback for our decision not to utilize them here in Alberta.
“It was made very clear to our government that handing out high-powered opioids to people suffering from addiction is dangerous and simply a repetition of what started the OxyContin crisis in the late 90s and early 2000s. Instead of so-called “safe” supply and decriminalization, we are focussed on giving people treatment, recovery, and a second lease on life.
 Involuntary care for those with addiction and mental health issues has been in place in B.C. for decades, but got more traction in the lead-up to the Oct. 19 election.
The Alberta government said next spring it plans to introduce the Compassionate Intervention Act, which will be another tool within the Alberta Recovery Model to give those who are a danger to themselves or others because of their drug use an opportunity to pursue recovery.
“Families do not want to sit back and let their sons, daughters, or even parents suffer in addiction. As well, we have a responsibility for the safety of all Albertans, which is often put at risk when people are publicly using drugs that result in violent behaviour,” said Baril.
“Once Compassionate Intervention is implemented, it will create a framework for a family member, social worker, psychologist, child protection official, police or peace officer, or medical professional to petition a commission for a person who is a danger to themselves or others because of their addiction or drug use to undergo treatment. Similar legislation exists within Alberta and across Canada when it comes to mandatory treatment for severe mental health challenges. Alberta also has the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD), which allows a parent to have their minor child undergo mandatory detox, assessment, and stabilization.”
 B.C. has close to 50 overdose prevention sites and recently opened a supervised indoor inhalation site. What is the Alberta equivalent when it comes to these types of services?
Alberta’s first drug consumption site was opened under the NDP in 2017. There are currently seven in operation with plans to close down the Red Deer location following a request from Red Deer City Council. There are currently no sites offering inhalation services and no plans to further expand the number of sites in operation.
 — this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity

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