Experts say Alberta's model for combating drug poisoning in the province is not working as opioid-related deaths reached an all-time high this April.

The latest provincial data, which was released on Monday, shows 179 people died from drug poisoning in April, making it the month with the highest-ever opioid deaths recorded in Alberta.

Elaine Hyshka, who is the Canada Research Chair in health systems innovation, says the latest numbers suggest that the province might be on track for the worst year yet.

Hyshka says the increased number of overdoses shows the illegal supply of drugs in Alberta is highly toxic.

She says the Alberta government should consider providing pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to illegal drug supply while also offering access to harm reduction.

Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams says it is clear from the data that more needs to be done to address the addiction crisis.

He says investing in recovery is not a choice that the government is making but it is their moral obligation to allow for better futures for those suffering.