Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Province Covers Drugs for Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

Released on July 5, 2017

People in Saskatchewan who need support to address problematic alcohol use now have access to another form of treatment.

Effective July 1, The Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan provides coverage for two drug products for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: Revia (naltrexone) and Campral (acamprosate).

“Our government is committed to providing services to help people struggling with addictions,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said.  “These products are an important addition to the continuum of alcohol treatment services offered throughout Saskatchewan.”

Both drugs are used as part of an alcohol counselling program.  Naltrexone is used to take away the cravings for alcohol.  Acamprosate is used to maintain abstinence from alcohol in clients who have already stopped drinking.

In 2015-16, there were more than 30,000 admissions to addictions services.

These drugs complement the range of other provincially-funded alcohol and drug services including:
  • Outreach services;
  • Outpatient treatment in more than 50 centres;
  • Detoxification;
  • Inpatient treatment;
  • Long-term residential services; and
  • Day treatment.
Saskatchewan has also recently expanded access to brief detox programming in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.  The addition of these drugs to the formulary supports the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan recommendations with a particular focus around the support that primary health care providers offer to individuals with mental health and addictions issues, and reducing harm associated with alcohol misuse.

The Saskatchewan formulary currently lists more than 5,400 drug products as benefits under the Drug Plan.

Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has increased funding to the Drug Plan by approximately $49 million or 15 per cent.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Shirley Xie 
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: Shirley.xie@health.gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve