Managed Alcohol Program

Managed alcohol programs (MAPs) are a novel harm reduction intervention for people who experience long-term homelessness and severe long-term alcohol dependence. MAPs provide regulated amounts of alcohol onsite under supervision. Preliminary international evidence suggests that MAPs are associated with some reduction in consumption although still at WHO high-risk levels. Consumption of non-beverage alcohol (such as ‘meths’) decreases along with some alcohol-related harms. There are currently no MAPs in Australia but further evaluation of this model is underway. These developments may play a role in reducing the harm associated with severe alcohol dependence but no recommendation can be made concerning the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of a MAP in Australia at this time.