Drug treatment centres report similar rise in oxycodone addiction rates
Police in Edmonton say a recent spike in the number of pharmacy robberies is due to the city’s burgeoning oxycodone addiction rates. So far, 13 pharmacies have been targeted in heists—nearly double the number from this time last year—and 11 had drugs stolen. Alberta Health Services says it has seen a corresponding increase in the number of people seeking treatment for oxycodone addiction, particularly among 18-to 24-year-olds from Sherwood Park and South Edmonton.