Fatal opioid overdoses claim over 70 lives in AHS North Zone so far in 2020 SHARE ON: Photo credit to iStock Accidental opioid overdoses took the lives of over 70 people in Alberta Health’s North Zone in the first 10 months of 2020. New data released by the province Friday shows a total of 83 substance deaths (any substance) between January and October. Of the opioid-related deaths, 63 were from non-pharmaceutical opioids, with 8 linked to pharmaceutical opioids. Non-pharmaceutical opioids are considered to be fentanyl and its related drugs, as well as heroin, while pharmaceuticals are typically prescribed opioids like codeine, hydromorphone, and methadone. The data comes from the new Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, which will include monthly updates and replace the previously released quarterly reports. It includes more detailed information as well.