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EDMONTON — Alberta’s provincial addiction agency is widening its virtual treatment services to make support easier to reach for people seeking help from home.
Recovery Alberta says its new Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program is now operating for people dealing with concerns involving alcohol, methamphetamine and other substances, as well as gambling. The service offers same day or next day assessments, medication assisted treatment, withdrawal management, virtual counselling and coordinated referrals to community or residential programs.
Clients connect with physicians, counsellors and peer support workers through secure online appointments. Officials say the approach is meant to help people begin treatment as soon as they feel ready, giving rural residents and people in remote areas access to the same level of care available in larger centres. The agency says starting recovery at home can also help people remain close to their personal supports during early treatment.
The announcement comes during National Addictions Awareness Week running Nov. 16 to 22. Recovery Alberta says anyone struggling with substance use, or anyone supporting a loved one, is encouraged to seek assistance and learn about available services.
The agency also operates the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides similar telemedicine based support. Help is available at 1 844 383 7688. Alberta’s Mental Health Helpline can be reached at 1 877 303 2642 and the Addiction Helpline at 1 866 332 2322.
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