Youth addiction recovery gets $23M boost

Alberta is making record investments in mental health and addiction services to support recovery for people of all ages. The government’s Alberta Recovery Model has already increased access to life-saving treatment and recovery programs for many.

A significant portion of this effort focuses on youth. To address growing needs, the province announced the $23 million Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre. The facility will provide 105 addiction treatment beds for young people, allowing 300 youth annually to seek recovery.

“Every Albertan deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery. This is especially true for our children,” said Dan Williams, minister of mental health and addiction. He stressed the facility's potential to address mental health needs and set youth up for future success.

This expansion is important as Alberta currently has only 70 youth addiction treatment beds. However, adding the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre, the province will more than double capacity to 175 beds.

Tyler Lorenz, executive director of Residents in Recovery, believes the addition can only be good news for the community. It adds additional capacity, which is needed. He notes youths in our community are experimenting with drugs and alcohol as early as 8 years old in some cases.

"We see this especially when one or more caregiver has struggled with addiction themselves, but it is not a requirement.  Many youths go down this path as a result of both parents working and a passive approach to parenting.  Given the ease of access to both alcohol and marijuana, the opportunities to experiment have never been greater," said Lorenz. "Given the impact this experimentation has on a youth’s developing mind, the vulnerability of occasional use becoming substance abuse is much higher.  Support of our youth in programs like this, plants the seed of recovery and gives them the opportunity to be mindful of their at-risk behaviours moving forward.”

The facility will repurpose half of the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, significantly reducing construction costs and timelines. Renovations include a separate entrance, new clinical and educational spaces, and tailored living units. The treatment facility will be entirely separate from the corrections facility, ensuring a safe and healing-focused environment.

The centre will follow Alberta’s recovery-oriented care model, offering comprehensive support. Programs will include individual, group, and family counselling, opioid agonist treatment, and skills development. Youth will also continue their education and rebuild relationships during their stay.

The facility will reserve some treatment beds for youth admitted under the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act. Meanwhile, this act allows parents to seek mandatory detox treatment for their children, offering a pathway to recovery for those in crisis.

“Youth struggling with addiction need to know a brighter future is possible,” said Searle Turton, minister of children and family services. He highlighted the importance of prevention and early intervention alongside recovery programs.

Community voices also praised the initiative.

“This investment gives families the hope they need,” said Lerena Greig, executive director of Parents Empowering Parents Society.

Abi P., a young person in recovery, shared their gratitude.

“With help from a youth program, I was able to find hope again,” they said.

This project is part of Alberta’s broader $350 million investment in recovery services. Eleven adult recovery communities are also under development, with some already operational. These facilities will serve over 2,000 Albertans annually, further advancing the province's commitment to ending addiction cycles.

The Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre is scheduled to open its doors in 2026.

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