Detox is typically 5–14 days of medically supervised stabilization while substances clear your system. It's not treatment — it's the doorway into treatment. The on-ramp, not the highway. Without it, getting into recovery can feel like trying to merge onto a freeway on a tricycle.
The goals are straightforward:
On opioid withdrawal: I've watched more people than I can count go through withdrawal so severe it looked like their nervous system was tearing itself apart from the inside. It's not an exaggeration. It's a level of physical suffering most people will never understand.
Which is why this matters: Alberta detox centres can initiate Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) — Suboxone or Methadone — immediately on admission. You don't have to endure days of withdrawal sickness before help arrives. For many people, knowing this is the difference between walking through those doors and not going at all.
Detox units like Renfrew (Calgary) and ARC (Edmonton) initiate OAT as standard protocol. If you're unsure whether a specific site offers this, call ahead — most will confirm what they can start on day one.
Short answer: No. All AHS-operated medical detox units, and most contracted community programs, are fully publicly funded. No fees. No insurance. No out-of-pocket costs.
What free actually covers:
Health Care Card: Most detox centers will ask for your Alberta Health Care number at intake.
The only time detox costs money is if you go to a private treatment center that operates its own medical detox. Those are fee-based and outside the AHS system. If someone asks you for payment to detox, you are not dealing with a public service.
If you're ever unsure — just ask when you call. Staff will tell you immediately whether the program is public or private, what ID you need, and whether your health card number is required.
Bottom line: detox is free. Bring your health care number if you have it. Call ahead if you don't. Money should never be the thing that stops you from getting safe.
For moderate to severe addiction, detox is often the first real step. It can feel intense — you'll be surrounded by people from all walks of life, each at a different point in their own journey.
If you find yourself thinking "I'm not as bad as these people — I don't need to be here," that isn't clarity. That's denial, and it's the addiction talking, not you.
If you were screened and admitted, you are exactly where you need to be. Comparison is the thief of clarity. Your journey is yours.
Detox isn't failure — it's movement. Most people who eventually find lasting stability pass through detox more than once before everything clicks. Every time you walk through those doors, you're interrupting the trajectory.
And those interruptions? They're the first real signs of momentum.
Below you'll find detox and withdrawal management resources across Alberta, organized by region.
Short-stay, medically supported withdrawal services to help you bridge from active use to treatment.
These are short-stay detox and withdrawal management programs across Alberta. Most stays are 5–14 days and are focused on medical stabilization, not long-term treatment. Where a program is social detox rather than full medical detox, that distinction is noted — it matters if you have a complex withdrawal history. Many of these centres can also help you connect directly to treatment programs, social workers, or follow-up care.
The information here is based on publicly available sources. If certain details appear on one centre but not another, it’s because they were not clearly available at the time of review — not necessarily because the service isn’t offered. Some listings (particularly AHS-operated facilities) may appear lighter in detail; this reflects what is publicly provided, not the quality or scope of care.
Not all programs operate on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Some allow you to call ahead and book an intake, which can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty of showing up without a confirmed spot. Always ask what options are available when you call.
This list is organized by region. Always call ahead to confirm intake times, bed availability, and current admission requirements. If you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — seizures, delirium, hallucinations, extreme confusion, or suicidality — go to emergency first.
The goal here is simple: help you make informed decisions — not rushed ones.
Adult Detox
Calgary
Type: Medical Detox (24/7 nursing, locked unit)
Address:
1611 Remington Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 5K6
Access:
Call ahead recommended; admissions typically 7:00–8:00 AM daily
Best for:
Alcohol, benzodiazepine, opioid, or medically complex withdrawal
Length of Stay:
Typically 5–8 days
Tobacco-free site (nicotine replacement available).
Calgary
Type: Medical + Social Detox
Address:
203 15 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1G4
Access:
Call ahead or walk in for assessment
Best for:
Mild to moderate withdrawal, or individuals needing flexible / lower-barrier access
Length of Stay:
Typically 5–7 days
Includes 30 detox beds and additional transitional beds. Transitional beds require completion of detox prior to admission.
Calgary
Type: Medical + Social Withdrawal Management
Address:
1 Dermot Baldwin Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P8
Access:
Walk-in triage 7:00 AM daily (arrive by 6:30 AM if first time); no referral required. Or call ahead.
Best for:
Mild to moderate withdrawal, or individuals needing medical support with access to housing and social services
Length of Stay:
Typically 5–10 days
After Detox:
Clients can roll directly into the on-site Recovery Transition Program (up to 3 months) — a pre-treatment bridge that keeps you stable and supported while you wait for a treatment bed. Not a full RTC, but you stay in the same building.
24/7 nursing support with physician access. Program includes counselling, opioid replacement therapy (OAT), and connections to housing and ongoing care services.
Youth Detox (12–18)
Calgary
Type: Youth Detox + Stabilization (Medical + Psychosocial)
Address:
1005 17 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2E5
Access:
Coordinated through AHS Youth Addiction & Mental Health Services (call ahead recommended)
Best for:
Youth (12–18) requiring short-term withdrawal support with mental health stabilization and transition planning
Length of Stay:
Up to ~14 days
Short-term program combining withdrawal management with counselling, family involvement, and planning for ongoing treatment.
Adult Detox
Edmonton
Type: Medical Detox (hospital-based)
Address:
Building 12, Alberta Hospital Edmonton
17480 Fort Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6A8
Access:
Call ahead or attend walk-in triage (10:00–11:00 AM daily)
Best for:
Moderate to severe withdrawal, including medically complex or co-occurring mental health needs
Length of Stay:
Short-term (varies; not clearly specified by AHS)
Hospital-based withdrawal management with 24/7 nursing support and physician involvement.
Edmonton (West)
Type: Medical Detox + Post-Detox Stabilization
Address:
15625 Stony Plain Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 3Z3
Access:
Walk-in triage 8:30–9:30 AM daily (southwest entrance)
Call ahead for intake or remote referral options
Best for:
Mild to moderate withdrawal with need for ongoing stabilization or transition support
Length of Stay:
Detox typically short-term; additional stay available through post-detox recovery beds
41 medically supported detox beds and 19 post-detox recovery beds. Located at the Aurora Centre (not the downtown George Spady shelter).
Youth Detox (12–18)
Edmonton (Alberta Hospital Campus)
Type: Youth Detox + Stabilization (Medical + Psychosocial)
Address:
Unit 82A, Alberta Hospital Edmonton
17480 Fort Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6A8
Access:
Coordinated through AHS Youth Addiction & Mental Health Services (call ahead recommended)
Best for:
Youth (12–18) with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns requiring short-term stabilization
Length of Stay:
Approximately 10 days
Short-term program combining withdrawal support, assessment, and treatment planning, with family involvement where appropriate.
Adult Detox
Red Deer
Type: Medical Detox (24/7 support)
Address:
5246 53 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 5K2
Access:
Attend in person at 8:30 AM daily for intake (self-referral accepted)
Best for:
Adults (18+) requiring medically supported withdrawal with access to ongoing recovery and housing supports
Length of Stay:
Typically 5–7 days
Free, voluntary program with nursing, physician, and case management support. Referrals accepted from individuals, family, and community providers.
Adult Detox
Fort Macleod (Southern Alberta)
Type: Medical Detox (structured residential)
Address:
810 18 Street, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0
Access:
Call for screening; admission is scheduled after approval (not first-come, first-served)
Best for:
Adults (18+) seeking planned admission to detox without daily intake competition
Length of Stay:
Short-term (varies; not clearly specified)
Admission requires a phone interview. Program includes structured daily participation and group sessions during stay.
Lethbridge
Type: Medical Detox (hospital-based)
Address:
960 19 Street S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Access:
Call ahead or referral required; admission coordinated through AHS
Best for:
Adults (18+) requiring medically supported withdrawal
Length of Stay:
Short-term (not clearly specified by AHS)
24/7 service providing withdrawal management with connection to bed-based treatment and ongoing care through AHS.
Medicine Hat
Type: Medical Detox (hospital-based)
Address:
370 Kipling Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Y6
Access:
Call ahead or referral required; admission coordinated through AHS
Best for:
Adults (18+) requiring medically supported withdrawal
Length of Stay:
Short-term (not clearly specified by AHS)
24/7 withdrawal management service with connection to bed-based treatment and ongoing care through AHS.
Blackfoot (near Lloydminster)
Type: Medical Detox + Residential Treatment (integrated)
Address:
21060 Tranquility Way, Blackfoot, AB T0B 0L0
Access:
Application required; admissions scheduled Monday–Friday (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Best for:
Individuals seeking detox with direct transition into residential treatment
Length of Stay:
Detox typically 7–10 days, with option to continue into a 42-day residential program
Detox is part of a structured treatment pathway. Individuals may be expected to transition into the residential program following detox.
Adult Detox
Fort McMurray
Type: Social Detox / Supervised Withdrawal Support
Address:
505 Sakitawaw Trail South, Fort McMurray, AB
Access:
Open 24/7; call ahead recommended
Best for:
Individuals needing a supervised, non-medical withdrawal setting with support connecting to day programming, treatment, and community services
Length of Stay:
Not clearly specified
Pastew Place describes ongoing assessment and monitoring by Client Care Aides during withdrawal. If medical needs arise, staff coordinate with paramedics and hospital transfer as needed.
Important access note:
This is not a medical detox unit. Individuals with severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal risk, seizure history, hallucinations, or other complex medical concerns should confirm whether this is the right level of care before attending.
Grande Prairie
Type: Medical Detox + Short-Term Residential Treatment (AHS)
Address:
11333 106 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6T7
Access:
Call ahead recommended; walk-in and scheduled admissions based on bed availability
Best for:
Individuals needing medical detox with 24-hour nursing support and access to next-step residential treatment within the same facility
Length of Stay:
Detox: typically ~4–7 days
Residential treatment: ~20 days (application required)
Provides 24/7 medically supported detox with nursing staff and physician oversight, including assessment, stabilization, and referral to further services. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Residential treatment requires a completed application and medical clearance prior to admission, and entry is not immediate from detox. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
High Prairie
Type: Social Detox / Supervised Withdrawal Support
Address:
5409 47 Street, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0
Access:
Open 24/7; call ahead recommended
Best for:
Individuals able to safely withdraw in a non-medical setting who need a supervised environment with room and board
Length of Stay:
Short-term (not clearly specified)
Provides room, board, and supervision for individuals who are intoxicated or in withdrawal. Clients must be physically and mentally able to manage withdrawal without medical support.
Important access note:
This is not a medical detox unit. Individuals with a history of severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, seizures, or other medical risks should confirm appropriate level of care before attending.
Swan Hills
Type: Medical Detox (hospital-based, limited capacity)
Address:
5333 Hospital Road, Swan Hills, AB T0G 2C0
Access:
Coordinated through AHS Addiction & Mental Health services; call ahead recommended
Best for:
Individuals in rural or remote areas needing medically supervised withdrawal with local access
Length of Stay:
Short-term (not clearly specified)
Detox services are part of a broader community addiction and mental health program, including assessment, outpatient support, and referral to higher levels of care.
Youth Detox (12–18)
Grande Prairie
Type: Youth Residential Detox & Stabilization
Address:
10014 99 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3N4
Access:
Coordinated through AHS; referral or intake call required
Best for:
Youth (12–18) requiring short-term stabilization for substance use and/or mental health concerns
Length of Stay:
Approximately 14 days
Structured residential program combining withdrawal support, counselling, and assessment, with focus on transition planning, family involvement, and connection to ongoing care.