Community Managed Alcohol Programs in Canada: Overview of Key Dimensions and Implementation
Date
2018
Authors
Pauly, Bernie
Vallance, Kate
Wettlaufer, Ashley
Chow, Clifton
Brown, Randi
Evans, Joshua
Gray, Erin
Krysowaty, Bonnie
Ivsins, Andrew
Schiff, Rebecca
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Drug and Alcohol Review
Abstract
Introduction and Aims
People with severe alcohol dependence and unstable housing are vulnerable to multiple harms related to drinking and homelessness. Managed Alcohol Programs (MAP) aim to reduce harms of severe alcohol use without expecting cessation of use. There is promising evidence that MAPs reduce acute and social harms associated with alcohol dependence. The aim of this paper is to describe MAPs in Canada including key dimensions and implementation issues.
Design and Methods
Thirteen Canadian MAPs were identified through the Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study. Nine key informant interviews were conducted and analysed alongside program documents and reports to create individual case reports. Inductive content analysis and cross case comparisons were employed to identify six key dimensions of MAPs.
Results
Community based MAPs have a common goal of preserving dignity and reducing harms of drinking while increasing access to housing, health and social services. MAPs are offered as both residential and day programs with differences in six key dimensions including program goals and eligibility, food and accomodation, alcohol dispensing and administration, funding and money management, primary care services and clinical monitoring, and social and cultural connections.
Discussion and Conclusions
MAPs consist of four pillars with the alcohol intervention provided alongside housing interventions, primary care services, social and cultural interventions. Availability of permanent housing and reâestablishing social and cultural connections are central to recovery and healing goals of MAPs. Additional research regarding Indigenous and gendered approaches to program development as well as outcomes related to chronic harms and differences in alcohol management are needed.
Description
Keywords
managed alcohol programs, harm reduction, homelessness, housing, alcohol related harms, severe alcohol use disorder
Citation
Pauly, B., Vallance, K., Wettlaufer, A., Chow, C., Brown, R., Evans, J., Gray, E., Krysowaty, B., Ivsins, A., Schiff, R. and Stockwell, T. (2018), Community managed alcohol programs in Canada: Overview of key dimensions and implementation. Drug Alcohol Review doi:10.1111/dar.12681