Cyclical Restriction: The Opioid Crisis in Alberta

Résumé

The opioid crisis is incredibly prevalent in the province of Alberta. In this article, I examine links between public opinion of the opioid crisis and legislation, the legislation itself, and resulting effects on the opioid crisis in Alberta. I ground this analysis in comparisons to different legislative contexts, and anecdotes gathered from individuals directly affected. Through this analysis, I argue that a negative feedback loop has been created. By understanding how this cycle has been created and the effects it is currently happening, I hope to clarify steps forward to more effective harm reduction in the province of Alberta. I would also like to note that, throughout this paper, drug overdose deaths will be referred to as “drug poisonings” to bring attention to the fact that these deaths were not intentional on the part of the drug user.