The Alberta Mental Health and Substance Use Survey

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Click here to enrol and participate in the study

General Project Information

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence and the University of Calgary are conducting a survey among adults (18+) in Alberta to collect information on the frequency of substance use, mental illness, wellbeing, and quality of life. The study will also collect data about what types of supports and services Albertans are using for their mental health and/or substance use concerns. Adults who consider themselves to be recovered from a substance use disorder will also be asked questions about their recovery journey.

Despite economic downturns, a pandemic, and an overdose crisis, there has been limited information collected over the past 20 years on the mental health of Albertans. This research will help improve services and supports today and for future generations.

Project FAQs

    • Households across Alberta were randomly sampled. Your home was selected at random.
    • The $5 gift card is yours to keep and use, regardless of whether you participate in the survey.
    • This project is affiliated with the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (a Crown Corporation of the Alberta Government) and the University of Calgary.
    • You will never be asked to send money or share banking information.
    • A consent form will be provided before participation explaining data protection and voluntary participation.
    • You may call the University of Calgary Research Ethics Board using the contact information provided in the consent form.
    • At least one adult (18+) from your household may participate.
    • Maximum of three adults per household.
    • Only one adult aged 30+ may participate.
    • Up to two adults aged 18–29 may participate.
    • Use your unique household ID provided in your invitation letter.
    • Visit the study link or call the toll-free number provided.
    • Complete an online survey (25–35 minutes).
    • Complete a short interview (10–20 minutes) by video or phone.
    • You may complete both parts by phone if preferred.
    • Total time commitment is approximately one hour.
    • This is a one-time commitment.
    • No risk of physical harm.
    • Some questions may cause emotional discomfort.
    • If distressed, support numbers are available:
    • Helps improve mental health and addiction services in Alberta.
    • You will receive a $35 Everything Card gift card after completing both parts.
    • Your personal information will never appear in reports.
    • Data will be de-identified using a unique ID.
    • Only designated research staff will have access.
    • Should you participate in the survey, you will be asked to provide your name, gender, age, email address, and phone number. We will never share your personal information, and all surveys will be de-identified using a unique ID. Your personal and household information will never be linked to your survey responses.
    • Participation is completely voluntary.
    • You may skip questions.
    • You may stop at any time.
    • CCI Research Inc. will be administering the study on behalf of (and under supervision) of the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence and the University of Calgary.
    • CCI Research Inc. (CCI Resources) is a Canadian survey research firm with over 25 years of experience specializing in surveys, assessments, and evaluations. You can visit their website here: https://cci-resources.com
    • Once data is collected, it will be securely stored on a highly secure IT server.

Questions or Assistance

Click here to enrol and participate in the study