To aid in recovery and avoid overdose deaths, the government of Alberta is extending opioid addiction support services to children and young adults.

As part of Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care, the province is investing $4.5 million over three years to expand Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) to deliver more comprehensive support to youth and young adults in their pursuit of recovery.

The VODP is a program that offers treatment for opioid addiction on demand. Through this initiative, any Albertan in any part of the province can have same-day access to medications for treating opioid addiction without paying a fee or being put on a waiting list.

“Too many young Albertans continue to lose their lives to opioids. With this new funding, we’re helping more youth access evidence-based, compassionate care through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program. These treatments are not only life-changing – they’re life-saving,” stated Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

With the help of this financing, every year roughly 100 additional children and young adults will have access to treatment for opioid addiction. This includes a collection of medical specialists committed to helping adolescents and young adults, particularly those residing in group care settings. Rapid assessments, virtual treatment and ongoing care, recovery-oriented youth programmes, peer support, parent, family, and support worker education and training are among the supports provided by this team.

Alberta’s government is continuing to build a recovery-oriented system of care.

Funding for expanded VODP services will begin soon and expanded services will begin once staff are in place in early 2023.

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