The Alberta Mental Health and Substance Use Survey

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General Project Information

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence and the University of Calgary are conducting a survey among adults (ages 18+) in Alberta to collect information on the frequency of substance use, mental health conditions, 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.
    • Due to recent changes in data collection, only one adult (18 years or older) from each household can participate in the study.
    • If there is more than one adult in your household who would like to participate in the study, we invite the person who had the last birthday (regardless of your age) to complete the survey.
    • Only one adult aged 30+ may participate.
    • Up to two adults aged 18–29 may participate.
    • Use your ID provided in your invitation letter.
    • Visit the study link or call the toll-free number provided.
    • Complete an online survey (25–35 minutes).
    • Total time commitment is approximately half an 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 the survey.
    • Your information will never appear in reports.
    • Survey data will be anonymous.
    • Only designated research staff will have access.
    • Should you participate in the survey, you will be asked to provide information about your demographics (e.g., age range, sex, gender, education). This information will never be linked to you directly and will serve as information for data analysis only.
    • 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

If you require assistance or have questions about the survey, please call 1-888-313-8927 1-888-313-8927