Addiction Statistics

“A total of 3,970 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred so far in 2023 (January-June). This is an average of 22 deaths per day, which is 5% higher compared to the same period in 2022.” (Source, 2023)

“In 2019, 626 opioid-related deaths occurred in Alberta, climbing to 1,180 in 2020, 1,623 in 2021 and 562 in the first four months of 2022.” (Source, 2022)

“In 2021, an average of four individuals died each day in Alberta due to an accidental opioid poisoning.” (Source, 2022)

“In Canada, it is highly recommended that withdrawal management (detoxification) only be provided with immediate transition to long-term addiction treatment, as not doing so can increase relapse rates, morbidity and death.” (Source)

In 2020, Alberta saw a stark increase in opioid-related deaths. “Record levels not previously seen” correlated with a “decrease in the utilization of treatment and harm reduction services” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source)

Each year, the number of fentanyl-related deaths rises: “Almost all opioid-poisoning deaths are now related to fentanyl. In the second quarter of 2020, 94 per cent of all opioid-poisoning deaths were related to fentanyl.” (Source)

“In 2020, on average, 207 individuals in Alberta died from an apparent unintentional drug poisoning death related to fentanyl per quarter, while in 2019, on average, 130 individuals died from an apparent unintentional drug poisoning death related to fentanyl per quarter.“ (Source)

“In 2017, the estimated overall cost of substance use in Canada was $46 billion. That amounts to $1,258 for every Canadian.” (Source)

“Data from the World Health Organization’s 2017 World Health Statistics report shows alcohol consumption in Canada is higher than the global average, and among the highest for developed countries.” (Source)

“The rate of harms resulting from opioid poisoning continue to rise nationally, with hospitalizations increasing by 27 per cent over the last five years, increasing by 8 per cent in 2016–2017 alone.” (Source)

“Between 2013 and 2017, the age-adjusted rate of ED visits due to opioid poisoning increased in Ontario by 144 per cent and in Alberta by 165 per cent.” (Source)

“The most recent comprehensive cost study estimated the total cost of alcohol-related harm to Canadians to be $14.6 billion in 2014.

  • $5.9 billion in lost productivity due to disability and premature death
  • $4.2 billion for healthcare costs
  • $3.2 billion for criminal justice costs
  • $1.3 billion for other direct costs due to property damage, workplace programs, and research and prevention” (Source)

“Enforcement efforts focused on incarceration don’t reduce the harms of addiction; police officers can instead help connect individuals to community services and support the health and social needs of individuals using opioids.” (Source)

“People living with an opioid use disorder in Canada should have access to comprehensive treatment options that meet all their needs.” (Source)