The report stated that between 8,100 and 9,100 deaths were attributable to alcohol abuse, representing over 500,000 potential years of life lost (PYLL). The leading causes of death were cirrhosis, motor vehicle collisions, and suicide. Deaths attributed to alcohol abuse represented 1.9% of all deaths in Canada in 2002. Alcohol abuse also resulted in over 1.5 million acute care days in a hospital.
Five broad categories of costs associated with alcohol abuse were identified in the report. Direct health care costs include acute care hospitalization ($1.46 billion), prescription drugs ($768 million), specialized inpatient treatment ($755 million), family physician visits ($173 million), ambulatory care ($80 million), specialized outpatient treatment ($52 million), and psychiatric hospitalization ($20 million). Direct law enforcement costs include police services ($1.9 billion), corrections and probation ($660 million), and court services ($513 million). Direct prevention and research costs include prevention programs ($34 million), research ($17 million), and operational costs ($2 million). Other direct costs include traffic collision damage ($757 million), fire damage ($157 million), administrative costs for transfer payments ($62 million for worker's compensation and $4 million for social welfare), and workplace health promotion ($17 million). The indirect costs are productivity losses from long-term disability ($6.2 billion), premature death ($923 million), and short-term disability ($24 million for reduced activity, $16 million for days in bed).
The first managed alcohol program in Canada, the Annex Harm Reduction Program, was established in 1996 at Seaton House, the largest homeless shelter in Toronto. The program was founded as a result of the death of three homeless men in the city in 1995. Its target clients are homeless men with "difficult behaviours, mental illness or severe alcohol and drug problem". Individuals who are "too high-functioning" are not accepted into the program. These men receive one alcoholic beverage per hour at most, though staff may refuse to grant an inebriated client alcohol. They may also exchange non-beverage alcohol such as mouthwash or household cleaning products for beverage alcohol. Although permitted up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, the average client consumes six drinks daily. Individuals who consume alcohol outside the program are not served alcohol in the program.
The program is administered by two full time registered nurses and case workers, and serves as a teaching program for St. Michael's Hospital. Since inception, visits to the emergency department have decreased 93%. In 2010, the program resulted in a cost reduction for the city of Toronto of $3300/day/client for emergency medical services, police, and health care services not utilized. Between 12–24 clients die each year in the program, typically "the culmination of chronic alcoholism, pre-existing health conditions and many years spent living in poverty and on the street".
Some have criticized the program as "giving up" on problem alcoholics by sedating them with alcohol, or that the free alcohol could attract individuals from outside the program area.
Podymow et al. 2006. - Podymow, Tiina; Turnbull, Jeff; Coyle, Doug; Yetisir, Elizabeth; Wells, George (3 January 2006). "Shelter-based managed alcohol administration to chronicallyhomeless people addicted to alcohol". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 174 (1): 45–49. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1041350. PMC 1319345. PMID 16389236. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/1/45.short
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 1. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Collin 2006, p. 14. - Collin, Chantal (13 April 2006). Substance abuse issues and public policy in Canada: I. Canada's federal drug strategy (PDF) (Report). Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament. PRB 06-15E. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/prb0615-e.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 4. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 7. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 7. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 4. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
Rehm et al. 2006, p. 8. - Rehm, J.; Baliunas, D.; Brochu, S.; Fischer, B.; Gnam, W.; Patra, J.; Popova, S.; Sarnocinska-Hart, A.; Taylor, B. (March 2006). The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002: Highlights (PDF) (Report). Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 5. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
McKeen 2007. - McKeen, Scott (7 March 2007). "'Wet' shelter needs political will Toronto project could serve as model for Edmonton". The Edmonton Journal.
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
McKeen 2007. - McKeen, Scott (7 March 2007). "'Wet' shelter needs political will Toronto project could serve as model for Edmonton". The Edmonton Journal.
McKeen 2007. - McKeen, Scott (7 March 2007). "'Wet' shelter needs political will Toronto project could serve as model for Edmonton". The Edmonton Journal.
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 6. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 7. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
James 2007, p. 11. - James, Darlene (September 2007). Harm Reduction Policy Background Paper (PDF). Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (Report). Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2007/alad/164768.pdf
Bird 2016. - Bird, Hilary (11 October 2016). "Free booze for alcoholics: Could managed alcohol programs work in N.W.T.?". CBC News. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/managed-alcohol-program-yellowknife-1.3798872
Bird 2016. - Bird, Hilary (11 October 2016). "Free booze for alcoholics: Could managed alcohol programs work in N.W.T.?". CBC News. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/managed-alcohol-program-yellowknife-1.3798872
Shepherds of Good Hope. - "Managed Alcohol Program (MAP)". Shepherds of Good Hope. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://shepherdsofgoodhope.com/about-us/programs/managed-alcohol-program-map/
South West LHIN 2011, p. 10. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
Bird 2016. - Bird, Hilary (11 October 2016). "Free booze for alcoholics: Could managed alcohol programs work in N.W.T.?". CBC News. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/managed-alcohol-program-yellowknife-1.3798872
CBC News 2016. - "UVic researchers find success with managed alcohol". CBC News. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/uvic-alcohol-treatment-1.3575842
South West LHIN 2011, p. 7. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
South West LHIN 2011, p. 12. - "Managed alcohol: Housing, health & hospital diversion" (PDF). City of London. March 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2017. https://www.london.ca/residents/neighbourhoods/Documents/Managed%20Alcohol%20Report.pdf
Bird 2016. - Bird, Hilary (11 October 2016). "Free booze for alcoholics: Could managed alcohol programs work in N.W.T.?". CBC News. Retrieved 6 January 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/managed-alcohol-program-yellowknife-1.3798872