Managed Alcohol Program (MAP)

The 24-bed Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) is one of the truest expressions of our organization’s mission to provide harm-reduction services to our clients and residents, and is operated in partnership with Ottawa Inner City Health Inc.

The MAP is designed to stabilize participants’ alcoholism through a medically regulated administration of alcohol. MAP participants require support in managing their addiction and maintaining their physical and mental health, but through this structured and supportive program, we help them stabilize, gain a sense of community, and live life with dignity.

Reducing Harm

The shelter-based MAP is the first step in this innovative harm reduction program. Here, participants receive a medically prescribed dosage of wine, every hour, for fifteen hours a day.

These structured servings significantly prevent harms associated with binge drinking or drinking non-consumable substances such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer or mouthwash. By doing so, the program reduces the participant’s number of hospital visits and interactions with other emergency service providers such as police and paramedics.

Achieving Stability

This structure helps stabilize the participant, and enables them to address their addiction. On-site staff provide comprehensive support, including ongoing medical and mental health services and tailored case management. Participants also receive daily meals, assistance with personal needs and life-skills training, and engage in regular activities.

The goal for the majority of shelter-based MAP clients is to graduate to The Oaks, our Managed Alcohol Program permanent supportive housing facility.