Breaking the Cycle: Addiction, Mental Health, and Criminal Sentencing in Calgary
Addiction and mental health are closely connected to criminal law in Alberta. When substance use or untreated trauma takes hold, people may end up facing criminal charges, strained family relationships, and devastating personal consequences. The cycle can feel endless—but with the right support, there are real opportunities for recovery and rehabilitation.
At Patmore Criminal Defence in Calgary, we recognize that addiction and mental health issues do not excuse criminal behaviour, but they are crucial to understanding the full picture of why offences occur. Presenting this context properly in court can influence sentencing, and connecting clients to community resources can help break the cycle.
Addiction, Mental Health, and Crime in Alberta
Addiction and untreated mental health conditions are significant drivers of crime. In Calgary and across Alberta, we see this every day:
Offences committed to fund drug or alcohol use
Impaired judgment leading to assault, theft, or impaired driving
Cycles of relapse that lead back into the justice system
A common phrase captures the harsh reality: addiction leads to three places—jail, institutions, or death. But through treatment and advocacy, there is another outcome: recovery and reintegration.
How Courts Consider Addiction in Sentencing
In Canadian criminal law, addiction is not automatically a mitigating factor, but it provides important context for judges. Courts in Alberta often consider:
Whether an offence was directly related to substance use or mental health struggles
Steps the accused has taken toward treatment and recovery
Medical, psychological, or addiction reports filed with the court
Systemic and social background factors, particularly for Indigenous offenders (R v Gladue, R v Ipeelee)
Relevant cases include:
R v Ayorech (2012 ABCA) – Rehabilitation is especially important when an offence is out of character and treatment progress is demonstrated.
R v Gladue (1999 SCC) and R v Ipeelee (2012 SCC) – Require judges to consider systemic and individual background factors, particularly for Indigenous offenders.
At Patmore Criminal Defence, we ensure these considerations are highlighted effectively, giving the court a full understanding of each client’s circumstances.
Addiction Treatment Centres in Calgary and Alberta
Alberta offers a strong network of addiction treatment programs. These are some of the leading recovery centres in Calgary and across Southern Alberta:
Recovery Acres Calgary & 1835 House – Residential, outpatient, and transitional programs. (recoveryacres.org)
Calgary Dream Centre – Faith-based recovery and reintegration support. (calgarydreamcentre.com)
Alpha House Calgary – Detox, transitional housing, harm reduction programs. (alphahousecalgary.com)
Fresh Start Recovery Centre – Residential recovery and family support services. (freshstartrecovery.ca)
Simon House – Long-term residential recovery for men. (simonhouse.com)
Oxford House Foundation – Peer-based recovery housing. (oxfordhouse.ca)
Lander Treatment Centre (Lethbridge/Claresholm) – Alberta Health Services residential treatment. (albertahealthservices.ca)
For specialized or national options:
Edgewood Health Network (multiple Western Canada centres)
Sunshine Coast Health Centre (BC) – Men’s inpatient recovery facility
Recovery Models Available
Different recovery approaches work for different individuals. Options include:
12-Step Programs (AA/NA) – Peer-based, structured, and accountability-focused.
SMART Recovery – Secular and science-based, using cognitive-behavioural tools.
Recovery Dharma – Mindfulness and Buddhist principles applied to recovery.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Structured therapy to address trauma and emotional regulation.
At Patmore Criminal Defence, we do not recommend one specific model—but we encourage our clients to find and commit to the program that fits their needs.
Why a Strong Legal Defence Matters
For addiction or mental health issues to matter at sentencing, they must be properly presented to the court. This is where strong legal advocacy is critical.
At Patmore Criminal Defence in Calgary, we:
Obtain medical and treatment reports to present context.
Show the court rehabilitation steps already taken (detox, treatment, counselling).
Advocate for alternative sentences such as probation with treatment, conditional discharges, or community-based orders.
Ensure each client’s personal story is heard rather than reduced to criminal charges.
Conclusion
Addiction and mental health challenges are powerful forces in the lives of many Albertans. They contribute to crime, but they can also be addressed with compassion, treatment, and the right kind of legal advocacy.
At Patmore Criminal Defence, we are committed to defending our clients while helping them access the resources that can change their lives. Because justice is not just about punishment—it’s also about healing and second chances.
Helpful Resources:
Calgary Dream Centre
Alpha House Calgary
Fresh Start Recovery
Simon House
Oxford House Foundation
Please call Patmore Criminal Defence today for your Free Consultation to hear what we can do to help. 403-909-4822.
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