Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs)
What are MAPs?
Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs) originated in Canada and are designed for people who are homeless and have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They focus on harm prevention by providing measured, regular doses of alcohol. In addition, individuals in MAPs are often provided with access to other services, including physical and mental health care.
SHAAP MAP Knowledge Exchange Webinar
On 23 February 2022, SHAAP hosted a MAP Knowledge Exchange webinar to share information and allow discussion to equip people and organisations who work with homeless people and people with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) with knowledge on MAPs, how they work, what makes them work, what should be taken into account, and lessons that have been learned in Canada, London and in the early stages of development of the MAP in Glasgow.
MAPs in Canada
MAPs originated in Toronto, Canada over 20 years ago in an effort to protect a vulnerable population from the health harms, including severe injury and death, associated with consuming alcohol in street based settings.
Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) – University of Victoria
CISUR is leading a national study of Managed Alcohol Programs in Canada. This project rigourously evaluates MAPs in Canada and generates insights into their implementation and effectiveness. The results of this research will be used to reduce unintended negative consequences of MAPs and inform the development of program and policy recommendations.
Source: The Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study (CMAPS) - University of Victoria (uvic.ca)
MAPs in Scotland
Alcohol Occassionals: Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs):
On Tuesday 1 June 2021, Dr Hannah Carver, Lecturer in Substance Use and Deputy Director of the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research (SACASR), University of Stirling & Professor Tessa Parkes, SACASR Director, University of Stirling presented findings from their two Chief Scientist Office-funded studies on: 1) The feasibility and acceptability of implementing MAPs in Scotland; 2) The potential of MAPs to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection/transmission and wider harms.
Relevant links for MAPs in Scotland
Drug-related harms in homeless populations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
NHS England » Primary Medical Care Policy and Guidance Manual (PGM)
Extra help for rough sleepers with drug and alcohol dependency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)