San Francisco program to give alcohol to addicts saves lives, fights ‘beast of all beasts’

San Francisco’s Managed Alcohol Program: A Report on Harm Reduction and Homelessness

Introduction

The toll of homelessness and decades of substance abuse is evident in Bruce and Lisa, two clients of San Francisco’s controversial Managed Alcohol Program (MAP). Despite criticism, MAP has proven to be a lifeline for individuals like Bruce and Lisa, who credit the program with saving their lives.

The Managed Alcohol Program (MAP)

Under MAP, up to 20 homeless people with severe alcohol use disorder are housed in a former hotel and given predetermined doses of liquor at specific intervals. The drinks, dispensed by nurses as a form of medication, are meant to prevent clients from becoming overly intoxicated while avoiding the worst effects of withdrawal.

The Issue on a National Scale

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 178,000 Americans die every year due to excessive alcohol use. MAP focuses on a small subset of the homeless population with the most severe alcoholism, a group that drains a disproportionate share of the city’s emergency resources.

The Science Behind Harm Reduction

Dr. Paul Linde, a substance abuse expert, emphasizes the strong scientific evidence supporting harm reduction as a model for decreasing the negative effects of substance use without requiring abstinence. Harm reduction has been successful in addressing intravenous drug use and can also be applied to alcohol abuse.

Alternative Approaches to Recovery

Traditional treatment methods, such as those advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous, focus on abstinence. However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism now recognizes that recovery can be achieved without complete abstinence. Different approaches work for different individuals, and harm reduction programs like MAP offer an alternative path to recovery.

Controversy and Criticism

San Francisco’s embrace of harm reduction has faced criticism, including from Mayor London Breed. However, the city has not cut MAP’s budget, recognizing the program’s potential to keep problematic individuals off the streets and connected to necessary services.

Success and Savings

An internal analysis found that MAP saved the city $1.7 million over six months through a reduction in emergency room visits, emergency medical system activations, and hospitalizations. The program has also fostered human connections and restored dignity for clients who were previously living on the streets.

Addressing Misconceptions

MAP is not a free-for-all program. Clients are carefully screened and referred to the program, and only staff and clients are allowed in the facility. While MAP aims to stabilize individuals with chronic alcoholism, it also offers other rehabilitation services for those seeking abstinence.

Support and Endorsement

The San Francisco Fire Department has endorsed MAP, recognizing its impact in reducing unnecessary emergency calls. Health professionals and organizations, including HealthRIGHT 360, advocate for harm reduction programs as valuable tools in helping addicts enter recovery.

Conclusion

San Francisco’s Managed Alcohol Program provides a unique approach to addressing severe alcohol use disorder among the homeless population. While controversy and criticism persist, the program has demonstrated success in reducing emergency service utilization, fostering human connections, and improving the overall health and well-being of its clients.

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Fuente: usatoday.com

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