Managed alcohol program

A managed alcohol program is a program meant to reduce harm for chronic alcoholics. The program involves providing a regular dose of <a href="/facts/Alcohol_(drug)/IeK2fVd5">alcohol</a> to individuals with <a href="/facts/Alcoholism/KGPzpChp">alcohol addiction</a>, typically at a shelter-based <a href="/facts/Harm_reduction/2cAHgTu7">harm reduction</a> centre.
The centres operating a managed alcohol program are distinct from typical <a href="/facts/Homeless_shelter/tKCVzXJF">homeless shelters</a>. The latter usually enforce <a href="/facts/Abstinence/FXf52jVY">abstinence from alcohol</a>, whereas the former permit alcohol consumption "in managed doses or in specific areas". These shelters ensure that high-risk <a href="/facts/Homelessness/uqVV2c5R">homeless</a> individuals can avoid "exposure to <a href="/facts/Extreme_weather/gzcNR4BC">extreme weather</a> conditions, assault on the street, alcohol poisoning, or the substitution of non-beverage for alcohol products". They are also distinct from wet shelters, with criteria for admission and offering a greater breadth of services, such as on-site or <a href="/facts/Referral_(medicine)/bkEbz23m">referral</a> medical, mental health, and social services.
Such programs enable individuals to reduce alcohol consumption, improve <a href="/facts/Hygiene/zH17q0L0">hygiene</a>, and improve <a href="/facts/Nutrition/SMJ3Dhfs">nutrition</a> and overall <a href="/facts/Health/yzPVrjTs">health</a>. Other benefits include providing the affected individual with community services and housing, a reduction in health care and <a href="/facts/Emergency_service/mpnoeREI">emergency service</a> expenses, and less time in prison.

Managed alcohol program open-in-new

Managed alcohol program