Province will offer virtual treatment for addiction

By Lethbridge Herald on November 20, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Recovery Alberta has announced those seeking treatment for substance abuse will be able to access care through the comfort of their own home the moment they’re ready to receive help.

A new program called Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (VRAAM) treats people for substances beyond opioids, allowing them to connect virtually with physicians, counsellors and peer support specialists..

Robert Tanguay, senior medical director of addiction services for Recovery Alberta, says this new program will not only expand addiction services provincewide, but also reduce health inequities for those living in rural areas.

“By adding in the VRAAM program we’ve allowed more access to treatment for all people in Alberta, importantly what we’ve done is we’ve reduced the health inequities of some of our rural populations by allowing a simple 1-800 number to immediate access t treatment right at home.”

Those suffering from addictions can experience withdraw symptoms which need to be monitored by medical professionals.

Those who are in the VRAAM program will be able to pick up prescriptions to help with withdrawals at their local pharmacy and have daily virtual calls with nursing staff to ensure the safety of the patients through the detox process.

Those who have a history of seizures, delirium tremens or other severe withdrawal effects would be required to attend a detox centre.

Tanguay says the program will help free beds in detox centres for those who actually need them.

“Our full concept is to reduce the burden on our brick and mortar but we also have to understand some people may have to go to that.”

He adds the decision on how to best serve the client will be determined during VRAAM’s intake process.

VRAAM is best suited for those with mild to moderate addiction issues, and Tanguay says it’s a resource meant to prevent their addiction from becoming very severe.

“Importantly…this is the type of program that can get to you right away.”

He adds that VRAAM will not only help more Albertans into recovery, but also focuses on the healing aspect of it to ensure patients are able to get to the root of the problem.

Those who wish to access VRAAM can call 1-866-383-7688.